Saraswati - Drawing Course with Thangka Master Andy Weber

By Andy Weber

Who is Saraswati?

Saraswati is a well-known deity in both the Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. In both religions, she is considered to be the goddess and patron of the arts, music, language, literature, poetry and philosophy.

Anybody who relies on her with faith will see their knowledge, mental clarity and memory increase. One's voice will become majestic and beautiful, one will have debating skills that allow them to persuade anybody, and others will listen to and accept what they say.

Je Tsongkhapa, a Tibetan teacher who established the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism in the 14th century, also venerated Saraswati. Based on his visions of her, he wrote a wonderful devotional poem titled "Prayer to Saraswati." Throughout his years of study and reflection, Saraswati is thought to have regularly visited Je Tsongkhapa when he was traveling and providing advice and inspiration.

Iconography

Her body is white in color, she holds a vina, a stringed musical instrument and sits on a swan. Her vina represents her mastery of skills in all arts and composition and the 84,000 teachings of the Buddha reverberate within the sound of her lute.

Because she is white and has one face she is frequently compared to White Tara. The color white, represents wisdom's purity.

Frequently, she is accompanied by a white swan. According to legend, the sacred swan is able to distill the essence of milk from a mixture of water and milk. The swan, therefore, symbolizes the skill to take the essence of out precious life.

Her playing a musical instrument conveys the need to skillfully tune one’s mind and intellect to the Dharma.

About the course:

This course is suitable for students of all levels. It is great chance for students to learn the traditional artistic process of drawing Buddhas in the Tibetan tradition. From the first steps of setting up the grid to ensure the proper proportions up to the finest details, you will learn age old skills that form the basis of all thangka paintings. Meanwhile you receive the inspiration of Buddha Saraswati through meditations and mantra sessions that will undoubtedly enhance your creative process. 

Attention: This workshop will only take place if there are sufficient participants. Please choose the option "Op rekening  /  On Account" when donating for the course.

About the teacher:

The artist Andy Weber spent seven years living and studying the iconographical art of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of accomplished masters in India and Nepal. His unique style of authentic images for visualization are highly respected not only by the growing number of Western Buddhists but also by Tibetan Lamas of all traditions, many of whom have commissioned his work. His thangka paintings (= Tibetan scroll paintings) can be seen in Buddhist centers and temples throughout the world including the Potala Palace in Lhasa and his images have become well known and popular through numerous publications. With over 35 years of experience Andy Weber and his students offer their artwork, their services, and their experience to the wider Dharma community. Andy Weber Studios makes most of the artwork directly available through this web site for everybody to see. You can also acquire high quality reproductions of Andy’s artwork through our online store. Andy teaches all over the world.