RED GARUDA TEACHING, MEDITATION & PAINTING THE MANDALA
With Lharila Lama Monlam
February 23rd 10AM-4:30PM
In the Bon tradition the Red Garuda is deeply revered as an enlightened Yidam who enables us to rise above obstacles and obscurations. The Red Garuda meditation and practice is a potent spiritual medicine that overcomes illness and restores a healing balance for all beings. The enlightened Red Garuda Yidam emanates in the forms of each of the 5 elements. The Red Garuda, associated with the fire element, brings protection and positive transformation to all beings.
Larila Lama Monlam, Gyalshen’s resident teacher of the arts of Zhang Zhung and Tibet, will will include the meaning of the elements of the Red Garuda Mandala and how to draw and paint the mandala itself. His instructions also will include how to paint the syllables of the mantra as expressed in the mandala. ( Lharila is an honorary title only given to very accomplished Thangka painters and instructors). See Lama Monlam’s biography below.
Students may attend the day training in person or via Zoom. Necessary art supplies and lunch will be provided for those attending in person. On – line students will need to have drawing paper, a ruler and either colored pencils or pens, or paints available.
Lharila Lama Monlam, born in Ngawa, Amdo, is a thangka painter from Nangzhig Monastery. Since his early years, at 13, he was very fond of painting and he was lucky enough to obtain an opportunity to practice daily in the presence of expert painter Namkha Tsultrim. The great teacher Namkha Tsultrim did not only reach the highest degree of expertise in religious science, he was also the most accomplished teacher specializing in deity painting. Along with this teacher, Lama Monlam accumulated the experience to draw both thangkas and other kinds of paintings. In addition, Lama Monlam was also able to study in the presence of the great master painter of the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Gen Sangye la, from him he learned special drawing techniques.
Upon completion of his studies under Namkha Tsultrim, Lama Monlam travelled all over Tibet commissioned to paint thangkas of deities and other sacred works. He then moved to Menri Monastery in India, where he continued to work for many years. During his time there, Lama Monlam drew and painted many different icons of Menri Monastery.
Over the years, through his studies and daily painting of deities, mandalas and the like, Lama Monlam has developed the most perfect and complete level of accomplishment in the arts of drawing and panting. Art supplies and lunch will provided:
Students at all levels of familiarity with the Bon teachings as well as all levels of artistic abilities and experience are warmly welcomed.
