USA / NYC / Sep 23-25, 2022 / Manjushri, Buddha of Infinite Wisdom - Art, Buddhism & Thangka Painting Courses by Carmen Mensink

Home > Classes > Upcoming thangka courses > Manjushri, the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom, Sep 23-25, 2022, Pratt Institute, NYC

Manjushri by Graham Dyer

Weekend Course at PRATT MANHATTAN

Manjushri,
the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom

This weekend you will learn how to draw the beautiful Manjushri (Tib.: Jampel-yang), according to the Tibetan Buddhist tradition or thangka (scroll paintings).

Manjushri embodies the wisdom of all the Buddhas, and therefore the attributes that he holds in his hands are an expression of this enlightened wisdom.

In his left hand he holds a lotus flower that supports the ‘Perfection of Wisdom-Sutra‘, an important Mahayana- text that reveals the methods for developing and achieving the ultimate wisdom in yourself.

In his right hand he holds a flaming sword, symbolizing the power of his wisdom to cut through the core of all our illusions, namely: ignorance. Because of our ignorance we experience all the problems in this life.

It is said that studying the Wisdom-Sutras and meditating on Manjushri are the two most powerful ways to develop wisdom in yourself.

In addition to drawing this special deity, this weekend course you will also learn all about the backgrounds and symbolism of Manjushri through presentations and lectures. In the mornings we will start with a guided meditation on Manjushri, and you will also learn the meanings of his mantra and work with it.

Thangka-drawing is a meditation in itself, and creates joy and inner peace.
Buddhist lamas say “When you draw a Buddha, you draw your own mind.”
If you are a Buddhist practitioner, drawing a Buddha can greatly be of benefit to your visualization meditation.

>>> Included in this course is a visit to the Rubin Museum of Art!

NOTE: This retreat is more suitable for intermediate and more advanced thangka students

Beginners can join if they previously have learned the basics through Carmen Mensink’s Drawing the Buddha Face workshop, and this year we offer 2 options to do so; one on the evening before in the same PRATT building: Drawing the Buddha Face Sep 22, 2022, or anytime beforehand online at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art.
Beginners may opt for drawing the Buddha (Shakyamuni) this weekend instead of Manjushri, as this is an easier option.

More Info & Registration

SCHEDULE, COST & MATERIALS

Dates & Times:
Fri Sep 23, 2022: 6.30-8PM Lecture/Presentation on Manjushri and his symbolism / ROOM 213
Sat Sep 24 + Sun Sep 25, 2022: 10.30AM – 6PM both days (with a 1hr lunch break) / ROOM 308

Workshop Fee:
$ (will be added soon)

Materials to bring:
1) Paper size 17×22″ or larger. Quality: any kind of good drawing paper.
2) Pencil (regular B&W pencil or mechanical pencil)
3) Eraser(s)
4) Ruler (pref. 18″) (note: you may want to bring a ruler with both inches and cm, as for thangka people often prefer to work with centimeters, but inches is possible too)
Optional: Coloured pencils, Drawing compass, Pen & paper if you want to make notes during this class