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For any other language, just contact us.
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May 9-July 6, 2025
Medicine Buddha Thangka Course
During this in-depth course, you will learn how to draw this Buddha according to the traditional Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Thangka.
The Medicine Buddha (Tib.: Sangye Menla) is the embodiment of all the Buddhas’ Healing qualities, associated with healing both physical and mental suffering. His deep blue lapis lazuli colour, the bowl filled with medicinal nectar, and the healing plants that he holds, all symbolise his power to conquer diseases and delusions.
Through Carmen Mensink's combination of creating art step by step, explaining the Buddha's iconography and Tibetan Medicine, meditation and mantra, you will not only connect with the Medicine Buddha and create a meaningful drawing, but you will gain an experience that lasts way longer than the duration of this course.
Before the course starts, an envelope with the traditional grid proportions for drawing this Buddha will be shipped to you and during the course Carmen is fully available (through the discussion section in this course platform and via email) 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 average thangka student will take up to 3 days to complete this course and draw the Medicine Buddha black & white. If preferred, your drawing can be further worked out using shading or colour (check out the course bundles with the Colouring Techniques course included!). The list of art materials can be found in the Course Curriculum at the bottom of this page. 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 to draw the Buddha of Healing 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 Medicine Buddha, know his deep symbolism, and it has made you more aware about (the balance in) your own body and mind
- You have experienced inner peace and joy through the drawing process, and working with his meditation & mantra
- You have created a connection with the Medicine Buddha, with a beautiful and 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):
Yes!
Sign me up for The Medicine Buddha
But before we continue:
Are you sure you don't want to add the Colouring Techniques Course to deepen your art practice? If you do click here:
Sign me up for the Medicine Buddha course only
Secure your course space for the Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course (dates on top of this page). Limited amount of students.
Optionally an extra 1hr Private Zoom Meeting with Carmen can be added on your next page (checkout).
Payments can be done in USD or EUR. Prices shown include the VAT (if applicable, depending on your country). Payments with Paypal can only be done when choosing USD.
Important: Please check 'I agree to receive instructional and promotional emails' on the next page, otherwise Carmen won't be able send you info on this course. Also please leave your address on the last page so she can ship you the course grids.
I didn’t think I could draw a full Buddha
"The course felt thorough. Carmen is adept at instruction and encouragement!
I loved learning about the mantra.
I learned a lot in my one-on-one Zoom session.
I didn’t think I could draw a full Buddha. It was a great experience. I learned a lot about thangka methods, working with pencil, and colors. In addition, learned about the Medicine Buddha and his mantra, plants, symbolism.
Thank you Carmen!"
Joyce Isabelle, New Jersey, USA
Buddha Face onsite with Carmen
Medicine Buddha Online Thangka Art Course
Private Zoom Session with Carmen
Able to draw a presentable Medicine Buddha
"I thoroughly enjoyed the course and find the Buddhist teaching element and spirituality excellent. My aspirations were simply to be able to draw a presentable Medicine Buddha in the first instance and I'm happy I achieved that.
The guided drawing in stages with hints and tips of how to actually do it and in what order have been invaluable.
I feel Carmen struck a great balance and this online course has great artistic and authenticity value."
Johnny, Ireland
Purchased Thangka Course Bundle:
Drawing the Buddha Face!
Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course
Far exceeding my expectations!
"I loved the depth of this course: intention meditation, mantras, learning about the history of Thangka and Tibetan medicine, the meaning of symbolism, dedication meditation...
I didn't just learn how to draw the Medicine Buddha, but have gained a rich spiritual practice. Your course was amazing, far exceeding my expectations!"
Jennifer Selkow, Minneapolis, USA
Purchased Thangka Course Bundle:
Drawing the Buddha Face!
Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course