Deep in concentration

"If one looks at the Sugata’s form depicted on a wall
Even while in an angry frame of mind,
One will eventually come to see ten million Buddhas"
- White Lotus Sutra

Kechara Saraswati Arts offers statue and tsa tsa painting services. We are able to paint both face and body, using traditional Tibetan techniques and materials.

KSA has learned the techniques of traditional statue painting from the finest artists of India, Tibet and Nepal. Through months of practice and effort, our talented artists have mastered the art of painting both peaceful and wrathful features. Statue painting is a long and involved process which requires great patience and skill.

First, the statues are thoroughly cleaned with water and lemon to ensure all traces of dirt and grease are removed.

Next, the base coat is applied. Multiple layers of base coat are a necessity and each layer must be painted slowly and evenly, a stroke at a time. A smooth and even base coat is a must, particularly the face and neck as real gold will be applied on these areas. An uneven base coat will create “wrinkles” on the Buddhas' faces!

The next step is to paint the Buddha's body; this is entirely up to the customer. We offer a variety of colour options; the most popular are gold, antique gold or a full colour version such as the fiery red Vajrayogini.

Lastly, the face will be painted using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation. Real gold is melted, combined with water and glue, and applied on the Buddhas' faces. The facial features are then delicately painted with fine brushes. This is the most difficult part, requiring months of practice with patience, effort and love.

What is the benefit of painting Buddha images?

• Painting Buddha images with the correct motivation purifies negative karma associated with the body, removes obstacles in one’s path and generates long life and good health.
   
• Buddha statues are the physical representation of the enlightened beings whose qualities include love, wisdom and compassion. These beings have practiced the Dharma and held their vows for three eons. With every prayer, prostration and offering made to these images, oceans of merit will be accumulated by those who were involved in the creation or painting of these images.