Giving Thangkas this November

Culture | November 24th, 2015

By David McCoy

On April 25, 2015, Nepal suffered a devastating earthquake. The U.S. Geological Survey deemed it a 7.8 magnitude quake that hit surrounding areas including the cities Bharatpur, Kirtipur and Kathmandu. Around 9,000 lives were lost, and even today, seven months later, thousands of refugees are still displaced and in a desperate struggle for food and shelter. With so many living in fear and uncertainty, we, who have roofs over our heads, should seize the opportunity to help by any means.

Fargo’s Spirit Room is providing just that opportunity. An exhibition showcasing authentic thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist paintings on canvas) painted by Ashal Man Lama and other Buddhist artists opened at the Spirit Room on Oct. 1 and will remain open until Nov. 30. At that time these canvas paintings will be available for purchase with all proceeds going directly to the earthquake victims.

Gisselle Tipp, Spirit Room’s administrative assistant, explains that thangka is an ancient art form where canvas is painted to depict the various aspects and schools of Buddhism. The tradition of painting thangkas is passed down from generation to generation and the images contain the same ancient concepts and teachings. Painting thangkas is a painstaking process done with precision and care. The patterns are finely detailed and some require a bristle paintbrush to make. Historically, these paintings would be rolled like a scroll and carried from village to village by lamas to teach enlightenment. Notably, the mandala is the basis for many thangkas and is used by both Hindus and Buddhists in representing the universe. It depicts four sections, sometimes referred to as gates, that lead into the center of the image. Mandalas are frequently used in meditation.

At the Spirit Room’s exhibit you will find Buddhist thangkas depicting the Mahayana tradition that are sewn into cloth brocades giving the appearance of a frame. They also have a covering and ties that will hold the thangkas in its traditional rolled scroll form. At reasonable prices, the Spirit Room has already raised upwards of $1,000 to benefit the Nepalese.

On Saturday, Nov. 28, there will be an exceptional reception from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Spirit Room. Scott Curfman, manager of The Listening Room, will be delivering a speech about the meaning of the thangkas. Curfman has previously traveled to the Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, to study Buddhism. In addition to becoming enlightened, he also met Ashal Man Lama, who is currently being featured at the exhibit. The reception will be a catered affair by the Nepalese restaurant Everest Tikka House in Moorhead. Good food and good art, all for a good cause.

With terrorism and natural disasters fresh in our minds, it is too easy to simply tune others out and push these events off as not our problem. This November, after your Black Friday shopping, come to the Spirit Room. Enjoy a warm meal and buy a thangkas so earthquake refugees can rebuild their lives.

IF YOU GO:

Earthquake Relief Thangkas Reception

Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo

Sat, Nov. 28 from 2:00 -- 4:00 p.m.

Entry is free. For more information contact Dawn Morgan, Gisselle Tipp (701)-237-0230

Email: Spirit@ideaone.net or Gisselle@ideaone.net