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Feb 10 (Losar, Tibetan New Year!) - Apr 14, 2024

The Buddha


During this in-depth course, you will learn how to draw The Buddha according to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Thangka, in a step by step process.

Buddha Shakyamuni is the historical Buddha of our time, generally referred to as The Buddha. Besides the clear drawing instructions you will be taken to ancient India 2500yrs ago, learn about his life (and the previous ones!), his path, his meditation, mantra (and the meaning of it), as well as about the impact his teachings had and that caused a stir in India at the time.

Before the course starts a package with the traditional grid proportions for drawing this Buddha will be shipped to you and during the course Carmen is fully available to guide and support you on your drawing, bringing each student from where they are to a higher level.

You can start this course anytime within the above time frame and come back to it as much as you like in between these dates. The course is laid out in a way that even if you just do 1 module a week you will finish your Buddha in time. The last week and module is for catching up if needed.

The average thangka student will take up to 2-3 days to complete this course and draw The Buddha in black & white. If preferred, your drawing can be further worked out using shading or colour (check out the bundle with the Colouring Techniques Course included!), that can take up to 4-7 days. More questions? Check the FAQ.

This course is for you when:
  • You have previously drawn the Buddha Face with Carmen Mensink, either onsite or online
  • You want to learn how to draw The Buddha as well as knowing all about his background and symbolism
  • You want to experience the meditative aspect of thangka drawing
After this course:
  • You have drawn your own beautiful Buddha, and learned about his deep symbolism
  • You have experienced inner peace and joy through the drawing process, and working with the meditation & mantra
  • You have created a connection with Buddha Shakyamuni and with an ancient tradition, and have gained an experience that lasts way longer than the duration of this course


Requirements: Buddha Face Course

The School for Tibetan Buddhist Art stays true to the Tibetan Thangka Tradition. Therefore, in order to join this bundle, you need to have taken the base course 'Buddha Face' with Carmen Mensink (online or onsite) before you can register.

If you haven't taken the Buddha Face Course yet, please choose from the following bundles instead (and save money):

How to draw the buddha
You have to experience it yourself!


"I really enjoy the courses of Carmen. 

Can't describe how peaceful and fulfilling it is, you have to experience it yourself!"

Yvonne van Vliet, The Netherlands

Feeds my soul, enhances and supports my creativity


"I love the combination of art, meditation and lectures. It feeds my soul, enhances and supports my creativity and it is always a wonderful learning experience.


I like the way Carmen teaches. She is very encouraging for both beginners and advanced. She is firm when it comes to preserving this traditional art form but also flexible in that she understands everyone sees the world differently and that is reflected in their art."

Maria Elmazi, USA

Not only a drawing class


"Drawing is still new to me but under Carmen’s guidance I’ve gained confidence and enjoyment.

The class is not only a drawing class but an exciting journey into learning a great deal about Tibetan Buddhism."

Bill, USA

  Welcome to the course!
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  Module 1: Let's Start! Introduction, Meditation & Setting up the Grid
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  Module-2: Draw The Buddha's Body & Learn about the Jataka Tales
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  Module 3: Draw The Buddhas Hands and Feet & Learn about his Birth
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  Module 4: Draw The Lotus Throne & Learn about Buddha's Life
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  Module 5: Draw the Robes and Haloes & Learn all about the Mantra
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  Module 6: Draw the (optional) Offerings and Landscape & Learn more about Buddha's Life
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  Module 7: Iconography and Colours of the Buddha (and your drawing)
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  Module 8: Catching up, Wrapping up & Show Me Your Buddha!
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