Tangka
For both lamas and votaries, Tangka is an important tool for self-cultivation. By worshipping Tangka, they may be blessed with good deeds and rewards.
Tangka, seen in every monastery and family shrine in Tibet, has been in vogue in Tibet for centuries. It is the art of Tibetan scroll-banner painting and mainly depicts the images of Buddha, eminent monks and folk customs.
Tangka painters have to follow a strict painting model, which has been passed down through generations. The original is said to be hidden among the secret sutras, recording all the rules and scales of at least eight different types of Tangka painting. No one is allowed to change them.
The pigments contribute greatly to the uniqueness of Tangka. They are made from natural materials such as rare metals and plants, and carefully mixed and processed by hand. Thus a well-kept Tangka still shines gorgeously generation after generation.
Tangkas used at home are usually not longer than 1 meter, but the giant Tangka in the Buddhist Portrait Unfolding Ritual can be big enough to cover the side of a mountain.
It is, indeed, a magnificent spectacle. The Buddhists take out the Tangka treasured by the temple and exhibit it in public to show the Pure Land of Buddhism. They deliver speeches, and sing and dance to commemorate the mighty Buddha.
Tibetan Opera
Tibetan Opera is hailed as "the living fossil of Tibetan culture." Various exaggerated masks are the highlight of Tibetan Opera and identify the roles the actors play. For example, a red mask represents the king; a green, the queen; a yellow, Lamas and deities.
Tibetan Opera boasts a history of more than 600 years, about 400 years longer than Peking Opera. Based on Buddhist stories and Tibetan history, the performance of Tibetan Opera follows fixed procedures, including religious rituals, singing, dancing, story telling and blessing ceremonies.
The musical rhythm is created by the beats of drums and cymbals that punctuate every movement, and by the singing performers. The rapidly chanted narration alternates with the sung dialogues repeated in the chorus. The dance movements are exaggerated and vigorous.
The performance ends with a blessing ritual that is also an occasion for the audience to present hada (a long piece of silk used as a greeting gift among Tibetans and Mongolians) and donations.
Butter sculptures
Tibetan butter sculptures cover a variety of subjects, like deities, flowers, animals and Buddhist motifs. Traditionally, they are displayed on monastery altars and family shrines as offerings.
Butter sculptures, mainly made of butter and mineral pigments, are modeled by hand. Since butter melts easily, monk artists need to work in cold conditions. They dip their hands into cold water to make their fingers cold enough to model the butter without melting it.
A few tools, such as hollow bones for making long threads and moulds for making leaves, are applied. Monks take great pride in doing religious work.