In mid-June 2024, we had the incredible privilege of showcasing our handmade Thangka paintings from Nepal at The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion. This significant event, initially scheduled for June 12-15, was extended by a day to include the Guru Padmasambhava puja on June 16, allowing us to connect with even more visitors. My father, Narayan Krishna Shrestha, and I, Prateek Shrestha, drove from Sydney to Melbourne, eager to share the spiritual essence of Thangka paintings.

The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion, located near Bendigo, Australia, is a remarkable structure. Inspired by the vision of Lama Thubten Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche, it is based on the design of the Great Stupa of Gyantse in Tibet. Standing nearly 50 meters high and wide, it is the largest stupa in the Western world. This magnificent structure, surrounded by beautiful gardens and a Peace Park with symbols from various faiths, serves as a place of peace, pilgrimage, and spiritual learning.

Our exhibition took place within the main stupa, specifically in the White Tara room. We were honored to present these exquisite works, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors were particularly drawn to the Kalachakra & Mantra Mandala Thangka paintings, which symbolizes good luck and harmony for homes, families, and workplaces. Also, lot of people seemed to be interested in the Wheel of Life thangka depicted as below in the photo. This is one of my personal favourite as this has helped me a lot personally in my spiritual journey. 

Thangka paintings hold profound spiritual significance. They are not merely art but serve as visual aids for meditation and spiritual practice. Each Thangka depicts various deities and symbols, representing qualities such as compassion, wisdom, and serenity. By meditating on these images, we can cultivate these qualities within ourselves, leading to a more mindful and peaceful life. 

For the exhibition, I created an ebook to help visitors understand Thangka paintings and the various deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Many attendees appreciated the detailed information provided in the book. You can download the file using the link below. By purchasing this one-time download, you will also receive a lifetime access link, allowing you to view any updates or additional resources added to the book in the future. Your support through purchasing the book would greatly help me and the business. Thank you!

Thangka eBook

Discover the meaning behind Thangka paintings with our detailed eBook. Perfect for art enthusiasts and spiritual seekers alike.

Price: $10.00

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One of the most frequently asked questions during the exhibition was, "Is Buddha a god?" The answer is that Buddha is not a god but a teacher who attained enlightenment. The deities depicted in Thangka paintings represent the qualities we strive to develop within ourselves, guiding us on our spiritual journey.

Our six days at the stupa were filled with tranquility and fulfillment. We were deeply moved by the opportunity to see and pray before the magnificent Jade Buddha inside the stupa. Additionally, we were fascinated by the creation of a giant Kalachakra Mandala, painted by numerous volunteers and special artists. Once completed, it will be hung from the top ceiling and is expected to be finished by October 2025.

Meeting Lucy, a humble and peaceful volunteer artist we saw daily, was another highlight of our visit. The Stupa View Cafe provided delicious vegetarian and vegan food, which we greatly appreciated.

Growing up in Nepal, I often visited our Thangka and Singing Bowl shop near Boudha Stupa. Being at The Great Stupa felt like reliving those cherished memories from my youth.

Our primary intention for the Thangka exhibition were:

1. To support local artisans from Nepal.
2. To showcase Thangka paintings that aid in spiritual journeys towards peace, awareness, kindness, compassion, love, and empathy.
3. To promote Thangka paintings in Australia.
4. To contribute a portion of our sales to the stupa, as a gesture of gratitude and support for this sacred space.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Aleshia Ng and Mr. Ian Green for making this event possible. Additionally, our sincere gratitude goes to Fin, the handy guy at the stupa, whose invaluable help in setting up the exhibition ensured our Thangka paintings were beautifully displayed. Without him, the event wouldn't have looked as stunning as it did.

This experience was a beautiful blend of art, spirituality, and community, and we look forward to future opportunities to share the beauty and significance of Thangka paintings.