Thangkas are traditionally kept unframed and rolled up when not display, mounted on a textile backing somewhat in the style of Chinese scroll paintings. Thangka perform several different functions. Images of deities can be used as teaching tools when depicting the life (or lives) of the Buddha, describing historical events concerning important Lamas, or retelling myths associated with other deities. Devotional images act as the centerpiece during a ritual or ceremony and are often used as mediums through which one can offer prayers or make requests. Overall, and perhaps most importantly, religious art is used as a meditation tool to help bring one further down the path to enlightenment.

 

Shakyamuni or Gautam Buddha is believed to have had 550 incarnations. Many previous Buddhas and other Buddhas yet to come are known as Buddhas. To distinguish from all other Buddhas, he has been called Shakyamuni ( The Lion on Shakya clan ), the son of King Suddhodana and queen Mayadevi. He was born on 563 BC at Lumbini, western part of Nepal. He had attained "Bodhi" or knowledge after 6 years in fasting and meditation and then he was called "Buddha" as he was "enlightened one" . He died at the age of 80 at Kushinagara.