Co-hosted with the Shantideva Center

Saturday, June 21, 2025

&

Sunday, June 22, 2025

11am-5pm EST

In-Person Only 

$180 Basic | $230 Sponsor | $300 Benefactor 

Students who register for this course can attend a free online lecture on June 19th (7-8:30pm EST) by Carmen Mensink on Milarepa | REGISTER HERE

During this weekend workshop in Manhattan with renowned thangka painter Carmen Mensink from The Netherlands you will learn to draw (and perhaps later paint) this inspiring yogi according to the tradition of thangka (Tibetan scroll paintings).

A true Inspiration
Born in southwest Tibet near the Nepalese border, Milarepa (1052-1135 CE) is considered the most famous tantric yogi and mystic. He is remembered for his remarkable determination and personal growth. His inspiring story traces the very familiar, human progression from confusion to clarity. He is generally considered one of Tibet’s most famous yogis and spiritual poets, whose teachings are known among several schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Meeting Marpa
At age seven, Milarepa’s father died, and he and his mother were cruelly treated by his uncle who was after the family property. In order to take revenge, Milarepa became an apprentice to a magician, and by practicing black magic, he not only caused the death of his uncle but also destroyed many other lives. Tormented by guilt and remorse, he set out in search of insight, but the teacher he found -the famous Marpa- ruthlessly subjected him to one severe test after another until all his negative karma was purified.

As a great tantric yogi, Milarepa achieved many spiritual realizations and eventually attained full enlightenment. He is also praised for the songs and poems he left behind.

Iconography and Mantra
Milarepa is often depicted as an ascetic in a meditation cave, with his right hand behind his ear; sometimes his body has a light green color due to his diet of only nettles.
In addition to the drawing sessions, you will learn all about Milarepa’s life and his iconography and meaning. You will also learn his mantra and how to work with it.

For whom?
This workshop is suitable from beginner to advanced thangka students. Carmen guides students each on their own level and brings them to a higher one.
No drawing experience is necessary. If you are new, you will get even more out of this weekend when beforehand you’ve learned how to draw the Face of the Buddha, this can be done either Online at the School for Tibetan Buddhist Art, or Onsite at Tibet House on the evening before

Sponsor/Benefactor admissions help provide scholarships for program & event attendees in financial need at Tibet House US. Your support makes financial assistance possible for others.