Notes on sacred art

Look a little closer.

Short plain guides to the symbols, colours, and figures in Himalayan thangka painting.

NotesSep 18, 2026

How to read a mandala

Start at the centre and move outward. Each ring is a wall of a holy palace, and each gate has a guard.

NotesSep 10, 2026

Gold marks light and value. Halos, robes and rays are picked out in gold so the eye finds what is holy first.

NotesSep 2, 2026

Two Taras, two moods. White Tara is calm and healing. Green Tara leans forward, ready to help.