DISPLAYING THE TANGKA
The celebration of Displaying the Tangka is an important event for a Tibetan Buddhist. It is one of only a few opportunities during the year that the faithful can gaze upon the countenance of the central Buddha figure displayed on this special tangka and relate it to the local protector deities that normally feature on the periphery of this large painting. This tangka is also special since it is uncovered outside in full daylight whereas most tangkas are secluded inside dark prayer halls where access by the faithful cannot always be guaranteed.
The displayed tangka can measure up to 30 meters tall and 20 meters wide, although many are smaller. It is usually displayed on a specially constructed slope designed for this one purpose, although it can also be hung from the roof of a major structure into the courtyard of the monastery itself. Of course a great advantage to displaying a tangka of this size is its clarity to those of the faithful whose eyesight might be less than perfect.
The displayed tangka can measure up to 30 meters tall and 20 meters wide, although many are smaller. It is usually displayed on a specially constructed slope designed for this one purpose, although it can also be hung from the roof of a major structure into the courtyard of the monastery itself. Of course a great advantage to displaying a tangka of this size is its clarity to those of the faithful whose eyesight might be less than perfect.
The hill at Gomar monastery
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Rolled down with cover on
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Displaying the tangka
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Happy Gomar Grandmas relaxing afterwards!
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Magotsang tangka in casing enroute to display hill
(laptse flags for local mountain gods in background)
(laptse flags for local mountain gods in background)
View from the top
Magnificent view from the bottom
Note the tens of thousands of large flat stones used for the surface
of the tangka display hill. They are large enough to make for good seating!!
of the tangka display hill. They are large enough to make for good seating!!
The tangka is transported to and from the displaying hill rolled up, sometimes in a casing and other times not so. It is considered very good fortune if the believer can touch their forehead to the casing roll – best after the display but also acceptable before. But of course it is most beneficial if one can touch the forehead to the roll both before and after the ceremony.
Labkhar tangka wrapped in cloth returning to gompa. An elder is
being assisted in touching the tangka with his forehead by a monk.
being assisted in touching the tangka with his forehead by a monk.
When the tangka is displayed in a courtyard, it is usually hung from the edge of the Chanting Hall roof. Because of the location and height of the roof, the tangka is usually much smaller than that displayed on a hill. The tangka can also be raised and lowered in a different manner.
Shachong Monastery
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Putting tangka away
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Gonlung 2013
At some monasteries, the tangka is only displayed once a year which makes the event even more special – particularly so since the tangka is only unwrapped for one hour. Then it is rolled back up and returned to its container to await the next opportunity to impress the believers.
Tangka storage box, Yagotsang
Displaying the tangka can be a singular event in itself or it can be accomplished along with another event or celebration. At Gomar gompa the display is preceded by a Butter Tea Ceremony. At Gonlung Jampaling the display is usually accompanied by a Maitreya Transportation.