Dec 30, 2020 - Mar 13, 2021
The 8 Auspicious Symbols
Draw the most famous Tibetan Symbols in a course over 10 weeks!
...What better way to start the new year than in the most auspicious and prosperous way?
Over a course of 10 weeks -from the last Full Moon of 2020 to the New Moon before Spring 2021- Carmen will take you along on a special journey into these prosperous symbols. You will learn how to draw them in a step by step process, and create either 8 separate drawings, or a beautiful mandala with all the symbols in it.
The Eight Auspicious Symbols are not only decorative, but they bring prosperity and attract spiritual and material well-being. In Sanskrit this set is known as 'Ashtamangala'; ashta = eight and mangala = happiness.
The symbols are very popular among Tibetan Buddhists. They are depicted in monasteries as well as residential houses. They are also depicted in front of the entrance of temples when high lamas and teachers visit. In 2009, 2014 and 2018, Carmen was asked to paint these symbols to welcome HH the Dalai Lama in her home country The Netherlands.
This course is for you when:
- You want to create the special symbols according to the Tibetan tradition
- You want to learn more about thangka art and iconography
- You want to experience the meditative aspect of thangka drawing
After this course:
- You have drawn your own beautiful Mandala with all the symbols in it, or a set of 8 separate symbol drawings
- You know about the deep meanings behind each of the Tibetan symbols
- You have meditated and reflected upon each symbol that corresponds to the different aspects of your life, making your path clearer
...An experience that lasts much longer than the course itself!
Requirements
There are NO requirements for this course, anyone can join. In fact, you don't need to have any drawing experience at all. Carmen will guide and support you personally, and will bring out the best in you on your own level.
Course overview
Each Friday a new Course Module with one of the symbols will be available for you. You will keep on having access to all previous modules until the end of the course, so you can always catch up if needed. The last week is especially reserved for that.
Week 1: FULL MOON
From Dec 30, 2020: Preparations
The course opens on the last Full Moon of 2020, which is a beautiful day to reflect on the past year, that was such a different and turbulent year with the Covid-19 pandemic. A full moon day is a very favorable day in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, and a good day to do prayers and practices.
Week 2: The Parasol
From Fri Jan 8, 2021
The Parasol, or Umbrella, protects the Dharma practitioner.
May it also protect you and your loved ones in this new year, and during the Covid pandemic.
Week 3: The Pair of Fishes
From Fri Jan 15
The Pair of Golden Fishes swim through turbulent water, fearless and steadfast - a great lesson for this new year.
Week 4: The Treasure Vase
From Fri Jan 22
The Treasure Vase pours forth an endless rain of long life nectar, health, wealth, prosperity and all the benefits of this world. No matter how much is taken away, the vase continues to stay full.
Week 5: The Lotus Flower
From Fri Jan 29
The lotus refers to many aspects of the spiritual path, as it grows from the mud but is unstained by it, so it appears clean on the surface,and finally produces a beautiful flower.
Week 6: The Conch Shell
From Fri Jan 29
Today the Conch Shell is blown! As a symbol of conquest, think about what you personally want to conquer this year. In general: let's hope Covid-19 will be conquered in this year as well.
Week 7: The Eternal Knot
Fri Feb 12: LOSAR - Tibetan new Year!
Today we celebrate the start of Losar - Tibetan New Year! May this 'Diagram of Fortune' bring you prosperity in this year.
Week 8: The Victory Banner
From Fri Feb 19
This banner represents the Victory of positive powers over negative - let it strengthen you in this year.
Week 9: The Dharma Wheel
From Fri Feb 26
The golden Dharma Wheel represents the Noble Eightfold Path, which may be your best guideline for this year (and to live your life).
Week 10: Catch up & round off
From Fri March 5
An extra week to catch up on all the symbols that you haven't finished yet, colour the symbols, add extra decorations etc etc.
NEW MOON
Sat March 13
The course finishes on New Moon, which is a very favorable day in the Tibetan Buddhist calendar, and a good day to do prayers and practices.
Online Gallery
Let's have a toast!
The artworks and experiences of all the students will be collected and presented in a lovely online gallery that you will always have access to.
Thangka Course Bundles
Learning even more!
In addition to the The 8 Auspicious Symbols course you can learn the secrets of Colouring Techniques, book a 1hr Private Zoom Meeting with Carmen, or both:
Sign me up for The 8 Auspicious Symbols only
Secure your course space for The 8 Auspicious Symbols Thangka Art Course, from Dec 30, 2020 to Mar 13, 2021. Limited amount of students.
Payments can be done in USD or EUR, as a one time purchase or a 2 month payment plan. Additional VAT may be applicable, depending on your country (see next page). Note: Payments with Paypal can only be done when choosing USD.
Don't forget to check 'I agree to receive instructional and promotional emails' on the next page, otherwise Carmen won't be able to send you information about the course and guide you when needed.
Course Curriculum (each week the next module will be added)
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1-1 A Personal Welcome & Say Hi!
(1:18)
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1-2 Lecture: Introduction to the Eight Auspicious Symbols
(9:28)
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1-3 Reflection
(2:03)
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1-4 Lecture: A Special Ceremony
(8:55)
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1-5 Morning Meditation
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1-6 Lecture: Painting the 8 Auspicious Symbols for the Dalai Lama in 2009
(9:27)
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1-7 Choose the kind of artwork that you're going to make
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1-8 Base Grid for drawing eight separate symbols
(7:55)
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1-9 Base Grid for drawing a mandala with symbols
(8:29)
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2-1 Welcome to Module 2!
(1:04)
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2-2 Reflection on Protection
(7:42)
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2-3 Mudra of the Parasol
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2-4 Meditation
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2-5 Lecture: Symbolism of The Parasol
(7:35)
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2-6 Grids for drawing The Parasol separately
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2-7 Grids for drawing The Parasol in the mandala
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2-8 How to further work out your drawing?
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2-9 Colours of the Parasol
(4:58)
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BONUS: Podcast
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3-1 Welcome to Module 3!
(0:49)
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3-2 Reflection on Fearlessness
(2:35)
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3-3 Mudra of the Pair of Fishes
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3-4 Meditation
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3-5 Lecture: Symbolism of The Pair of Fishes
(15:19)
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3-6 Grids for drawing The Fishes separately
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3-7 Grids for drawing The Fishes in the mandala
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3-8 Colours & Inspiration
(6:30)
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Need more help?
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4-1 Welcome to Module 4!
(0:48)
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4-2 Reflection on Prosperity
(7:16)
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4-3 Mudra of The Treasure Vase
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4-4 Meditation
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4-5 Lecture: Symbolism of The Treasure Vase
(16:01)
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4-6 Grids for drawing The Treasure Vase separately
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4-7 Grids for drawing The Treasure Vase in the mandala
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4-8 Colours and Inspiration
(4:47)
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4-9 Tara says...
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BONUS: Earth Treasure Vases
(3:51)