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May 11-July 14, 2024

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:

The School for Tibetan Buddhist Art stays true to the Tibetan Thangka Tradition. Therefore, in order to take this Medicine Buddha Thangka Course, you need to have taken the base course Drawing the Buddha Face! with Carmen Mensink (online or onsite) before you can register for this course. For questions on this go to profile > contact. If you want to learn how to draw the Medicine Buddha but haven't taken the Buddha Face course yet, we suggest you choose a Thangka Course Bundle that includes both courses.

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

Sign me up for the Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course only

Secure your course space for Medicine Buddha Thangka Art Course. Limited amount of students.

Payments can be done in USD or EUR. Note that 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.

And don't forget to fill in your address to receive the course materials!