Tsurphu monastery dates to 1187 when the first Karmapa - Dusum Kyenpa - identified the auspicious location for his dwelling. It is with this Karmapa that the tradition of reincarnating lamas was introduced in Tibet throughout the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Significantly, the present constructive energy at Tsurphu has arisen with the arrival of the reincarnate 17th Karmapa- Urgyen Drodul Tinley Dorje- who was enthroned at Tsurphu September 1992.

Tsurphu was completely destroyed during the Cultural Revolution in the mid 1960's.The Ven. Drupon Dechen Rimpoche was given the challenging responsibility of re- building the monastery by the His Holiness the16th Karmapa, Rigpe Dorje while living in exile in India.

Many great monasteries in Tibet once possessed giant silk appliqué hangings for public display and worship. These often huge banners comprise some of Tibet's greatest art treasures because of their spiritual significance, size and intricate design. Some survived the cultural revolution - most did not. The giant banners of Tsurphu monastery in central Tibet - traditional seat of the Karmapas - were both destroyed during this time.

Terris and Leslie Nguyen Temple were asked to design this new thangkas for the Kagyu Lineage.

Between 1992-1994, the making of a 23 x 35 ( 108' x 76" ) meter silk brocade appliqué banner of Sakyamuni was undertaken fusing Tibetan and Western expertise. The first ceremonial display of this image, May 22nd 1994, marked the revival of an age old tradition that had not been observed at Tsurphu for 40 years.

{besps}kgthang{/besps}


 Tsurphu monastery is situated in a valley two hours northwest of The landscape here, at over 4600m, is mainly sloping mountainsides brightly speckled with wild flowers in the warm season --white peaks ahead and a rushing river below. On the south bank of the river, in front of the new monastery, are the old steeply inclined steps upon which the gigantic appliqué Thangka is displayed for a few hours once each year.

The creation of these huge thangkas is traditional throughout Tibet. It seems tradition of the giant applique thangkas is a Karma Kagyu inovation.

These thangkas are referred to as "gos.sKu." (pronounced Kye-gu) in Tibetan, literally means "Satin-image or body". Another name for them is "thongdrol", which means liberation through sight. These hangings are, in fact, constructed using a range of heavy brocades, silks and satins sewn together in the appliqué or "patch work". The intricate line work is translated using a technique similar to that found in Tibetan tent design, typical of this culturally nomadic people. The Karmapas, in particular, were renowned for their elaborate tent settlements. They traveled throughout Tibet in giant tented encampments bring the Buddhist teachings to the most remote regions. Styles in art and iconography differ according to the various religious schools. The Karma Kagyu style of painting, known as Karma Gadri, was established in 1500, reflects influence from India (in its form), China (in its coloring) and Tibet (in its composition).

These aspects were very much considered when constructing the new gos.sKu for Tsurphu monastery. This Thangka, completed in the spring of 1994, was made to replace the previous 16th century appliqué made during the time of the 9th Karmapa.

The artist responsible for this ancient thangka which was know as the "Ornament of the World" (Dzam-ling mdzes-rgyan), was the famous Karma sGar-bris sculpturer, Karma-srid bral. It was completed in 1590.

His Holiness Urgyan Tenle has named the new Thangka as the Karma Gadri Thangka (gos. sku). (giant thangka in Tibetan) in honor of the unique Karmapa lineage painting style.

http://tibetcolor.com/tsurphu/67-gadri.html

Next >