Bhavachakra Wheel of Life Thangka | Yama | 44 × 35 cm

The Entire Cycle of Existence, Gripped by the Lord of Death

This dramatic and beautifully rendered Bhavachakra (Wheel of Life) Thangka presents one of the most powerful compositions in Tibetan Buddhist sacred art. At the top center, the fierce multi-eyed face of Yama, the Lord of Death, looms above the wheel, his claws gripping the rim with terrifying authority. Flanking him, Chenrezig stands in white on the left and a standing Shakyamuni Buddha appears on the right, both pointing the way to liberation beyond the cycle.

The six realms of existence radiate outward from the three poisons at the center, each realm rendered with vivid narrative detail and dozens of figures living out the consequences of their karma. At the base, a tiger and snow leopard hold the wheel from below, while a decorative lotus petal border grounds the entire composition. The luminous blue background gives the warm earth tones and gold detailing a jewel-like brilliance.

This is a teaching thangka of the highest order, a complete map of conditioned existence and the path beyond it.

Provenance

Hand-painted in Kathmandu, Nepal, circa 2000, by skilled artisans working in the living tradition of Nepalese sacred art. Pieces from this period and origin represent some of the finest examples of the craft produced in the modern era.

Dimensions

• 17 inches tall x 13.5 inches wide
• Sold unframed, ready to hang or frame to your preference

What You'll Receive

• One hand-painted thangka on cotton canvas
• Authentic Kathmandu craftsmanship with gold detailing throughout
• One of the most recognized and studied compositions in Buddhist iconography

Perfect For

• Students and scholars of Buddhist philosophy and iconography
• Meditation rooms, dharma centers, and sacred home altars
• Collectors of Himalayan and Tibetan Buddhist fine art

The Wheel of Life is said to have been designed by the Buddha himself as a teaching tool. To contemplate it is to see the entire architecture of conditioned existence, and the path beyond it.