Buddha Images and Meditation

Meditation is a cornerstone of all schools of Buddhism. It is believed to be essential to attaining enlightment, and increases mindfulness, concentration, tranquility and inner peace. Meditation is now largely practiced in the Western world, to relieve stress and increase balance and health.

There are many meditation techniques in Buddhism, all preserved in ancient Buddhist texts. One technique is to focus and meditate on a Buddhist image itself; a Buddha or an experience in the life of a Buddha. It is thought that by focusing on the Buddha, or the experience, that one comes in touch with the energies of the Buddha or experience, hence allowing the meditator to experience it internally and become connected with that energy. For instance, meditating on Chenrezig (the Tibetan Buddha of Compassion) connects one with the compassion of Chenrezig, allowing the meditator to become more compassionate both inwardly and outwardly.

In Tibet, Thangkas, or Buddhist images painted on a cloth or scroll, are created for this purpose. The process of painting the image itself is a sacred process which should transfer the energies of the Buddha or experience onto the canvas. These were often hung in monasteries and could be easily rolled up and accompany monks on journeys from monastery to monastery. Images depicting Buddhist stories were used as teaching tools and devotional images, such as images of specific Buddhas, were used as centerpieces for rituals and ceremonies.

Today, in the West, Thangkas and Thangka style paintings are a beautiful and useful way to decorate ones space. They can beautify a space, and can be used as meditation support.

Because each Buddha embodies certain attributes, certain Buddha images can serve certain purposes:

	The Medicine Buddha Artist: Trish Donroe Barker "If one meditates on the Medicine Buddha, one will eventually attain enlightenment, but in the meantime one will experience an increase in healing powers both for oneself and others and a decrease in physical and mental illness and suffering." ~ Lama Tashi Namgyal Mantra: Tad-ya-ta: Om Be-kan-dze Be-kan-dze Ma-ha Be-kan-dze Ra-dza Sa-mung-ga-te So-ha Bekandze means eliminating pain, maha bekandze means great eliminating of pain Image Available as Fine Giclee Print on Canvas in 4 sizes.
	White Tara Artist: Pieter Weltevrede The White Tara is a Buddha of Compassion. She is a female Buddha and her mantra is often called upon when someone is suffering from a life threatening illness. Therefore, focus on White Tara can serve to bring increased compassion, as well as longevity and healing from illness. Mantra: OM TARE TUTTARE TURE, MAMA AYUR JANA PUNTIN KURU SOHA This mantra is a request for an increase in longevity, merit and wisdom Image availabe as 513 piece jigsaw puzzle. Click here.
	Chenrezig Artist: Paul Heussenstamm Chenrezig is the Tibetan Buddha of Compassion. The Dali Lama is believed to be a living incarnation of Chenrezig and Chenrezig is believed to be the embodiment of all the compassion of all of the Buddhas. Mantra: Om Mani Peme Hung   Image availabe as 513 piece jigsaw puzzle. Click here. Image available as Fine Giclee print in many sizes. Click here.