Hand-Painted Wheel of Life Tibetan Thangka | Oil-Varnished Buddhist Mandala Painting

This is an original oil-varnished Samsara Wheel of Life (Bhavacakra) Thangka painting—a sacred and highly symbolic artwork used in Tibetan Buddhism as a spiritual teaching and meditation tool.
A thin layer of oil varnish has been applied to enhance its durability, add a matte finish, and preserve its intricate details for generations.

The Wheel of Life, also known as the Samsara Chakra Mandala, represents the cycle of birth, aging, suffering, death, and rebirth. It is a visual teaching of the Buddha’s core philosophy: the cause of suffering and the path to liberation.

🪷 Symbolism of the Wheel of Life

Yama, Lord of Death, holds the wheel — symbolizing the impermanence of existence.

The Three Poisons at the center:

Pig – Ignorance

Snake – Anger

Bird – Attachment

The second layer shows karma — light side for positive deeds, dark side for negative karma.

The third layer depicts the Six Realms of Existence:

Human Realm – balance of pleasure and pain, ideal for dharma practice.

Demi-god Realm – consumed by conflict and envy.

God Realm – pleasure and distraction.

Hell Realm – intense suffering.

Hungry Ghost Realm – endless craving.

Animal Realm – instinct and fear.

Above the wheel, the Buddha points toward the moon of liberation, symbolizing the possibility of breaking free from samsara.

🖌️ Artistic Details

Size: 33 x 45 inches (84 x 114 cm) – excludes border
Material: Handmade Cotton Canvas
Color: Natural mineral pigments, stone colors, Tibetan glue
Finish: Oil varnish for a matte, durable surface
Frame: Unframed
Quality: High-quality traditional craftsmanship

🪔 About Oil-Varnished Thangkas

Oil-varnished Thangkas are a unique variant of traditional Tibetan art. The oil varnish enhances the depth and vibrancy of the colors while protecting the surface. This gives the painting a timeless, antique look and ensures long-lasting preservation.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Piece

Symbolic representation of Buddhist philosophy
Ideal for spiritual spaces, monasteries, altars, or meditation rooms
Original hand-painted artwork from Nepal
Durable matte finish with oil varnish
Large, highly detailed spiritual mandala

Important Information:
- Each Thangka is individually hand-painted, making every piece one-of-a-kind.
- Colors may appear slightly different in person due to lighting or screen settings.
- The accurate detail and beauty of this artwork are even more vibrant when seen firsthand.
- Listed dimensions apply to the painting only and do not include the outer border.
- All orders are securely packed in a durable PVC tube to ensure safe delivery.
- Buyers are responsible for any import taxes or customs duties that may be charged in their country.