Art of Enlightenment

"Art is a uniquely human expression. Through art we communicate our most subtle perceptions, and give structure and order to the world we perceive around us. While the forms art represents are drawn from our natural surroundings, the structure we give them reflects the structure of our mind. Arising from mind and conditioned by mind, art is a mirror of our consciousness." Based on information provided by Tarthang Tulku, Art of Enlightenment is a concise introduction to the history, purpose, images, styles, and materials and methods of Tibetan thanka painting. This short volume includes a proportional diagram for drawing the Buddha and illustrations and description of the hand gestures known as mudras.