སྡོམ་བཞི།
The Four Seals/hallmarks:
ལྟ་བ་བཀའ་རྟགས་ཀྱི་ཕྱག་རྒྱ་བཞི།
All that is conditioned is impermanent,
All that is tainted is
suffering,
All phenomena are empty and devoid of self,
Nirvana is peace.
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Four truths to consider.....
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Learn to write Tibetan well....
Tibetan Calligraphy Workshop with Tashi Mannox.
Hosted by the Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Studies in London:
From Saturday 09 February 2013 - 10:00
To Sunday 10 February 2013 - 18:00
Suitable for complete beginners in Tibetan writing and also for those with existing skills wishing to polish their technique. During the course, Tashi Mannox will explain the proportionate construction of the Tibetan Uchen script which is essential as a foundation to create competent letter form for beautiful calligraphy. Calligraphy pens and sketch pads will be supplied.
The workshop will culminate with the creation of the Mani mantra with a stage by stage explanation of the mantra's sacred significance
For more information and to book a place on the course, please follow the link here.
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London print exhibition
‘Illuminated Optimism’
A
colourful collection of limited edition prints
By
Tibetan calligraphy artist
Tashi Mannox
Founded in 2010 Cave is a London Based specialist gallery
shop of wine, flowers, chocolate and art. Sourced from only the best producers,
their aim is to tastefully bring together the most enjoyed things in life by
introducing new and exciting products in an informed and intelligent way.
From 17th January to 1st March Tashi Mannox exhibits a fitting selection of his limited edition prints, some
of which have not been publicly displayed before, meaning that there are few
first editions available to snap up.
Iconographic themes were carefully chosen to complement
the flower filled gallery where artisan chocolates can also be purchased along
with a fine wines from a distinctive range to delight the humble novice to a
great connoisseur.
From 6 – 10 pm on the opening Thursday night of the 17thJanuary all are welcome to join for a glass of wine and a rare
opportunity to meet Tashi in person.
What could be more uplifting during the first dark winters
months than to be among freshly cut flowers and beautiful art that communicates
optimism?
Cave Opening Times and website
Mon-Wed 10am-7:30pm
Thurs-Sat 10am-8pm
Sunday 11am-6pm
210 Bermondsey Street, London SE1 3TQ
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meeting old friends
A pleasant and successful launch of Tashi Mannox's exhibition of prints at Cave in London's vibrant Bermondsey Street. A steady stream of visitors entered out of the cold winters night to be welcomed into the warm and colourful show, the air filled with the scent of freshly cut flowers. A glass of wine in hand, this was as much anything, a happy opportunity to catch up with old pals and make new friends.
This exhibition officially runs until the 6th February 2013. Tashi's limited edition prints will be available at Cave there after.
- photos by Matthew Lindén.
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ཆུ་མོ་སྦྲུལ་ལོ། Tibetan New Year Greetings.
Auspicious Good Wishes for the New Year of the Female Water Serpent
2013
༼ཆུ་མོ་སྦྲུལ་གནམ་ལོ་གསར་བཀྲ་ཤིས་བདེ་ལེགས་ཞུ༽
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That Spurs the Monk
Tashi Mannox speaks of his Childhood inspiration and magic that is insightful to the core of his artistry in Tibetan Calligraphy.
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| Tashi as a monk, Samye Ling 1993. |
A short film of 7 minutes
Directed, produced and filmed by Brian O'Neill
Edited by Fernando de Juan
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Chögyam Trungpa's Profound Treasury of Dharma.
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| 'Ananda' Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche |
Last year Shambhala invited Tashi Mannox to contribute some of his calligraphic illustrations to a new three volume publication based on a collective of Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche's thirteen years of Vajradhatu seminars and lectures, called the Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma.
The compilation and editing of this material for general publication has taken more then thirty years, resulting in one volume for each Yana, or major stage of the Buddhist path.
"The Profound Treasury of the Ocean of Dharma represents Chögyam Trungpa's greatest contribution to Western Buddhism. This three-volume collection presents in lively, relevant language the comprehensive teachings of the Tibetan Buddhist path of the hinayana, mahayana, and vajrayana."
- Available in hardback from Shambahla Media.
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Previous incarnations and new Art
A rare and remarkable old photo of the 16th Karmapa flanked on his right by the 11th Situpa and to his left the 6th Ponlop Rinpoche.
The photo is believed to be taken in the Late 1940's early 50's near to the seat Tsurpu Monastery of the Karmapa's who is the head of the Kagyu linage.
These three great Kagyu Lamas have since incarnated to continue their linage as realized teachers to benefit all sentient beings.
It is notable that all three present incarnations are great calligraphy artists. The previous Ponlop Rinpoche was also an accomplished Thanka painter, who has continued his talents in a new medium till the present day.
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| 'Ego' in English and Tibetan, by Ponlop Rinpoche. |
In old Tibet, at the time of the above photo, calligraphy was practiced as a discipline to a high degree, however was not created as a free expressive art-form as it is in the Japanese Zen tradition. It is only through these new incarnate Lamas, who are engaged with communicating Dharma in the world away from Tibet, that Tibetan calligraphy has developed and established a new expression.
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| 'Kagyu' Tibetan calligraphy by Tai Situ Rinpoche. |
Another great Lama and Kagyu linage holder Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche and was the first to make this new artistic leap, while establishing Buddha Dharma during the 70's and 80's in America.
Trungpa Rinpoche created expressive calligraphy art that was a bold and free break-away from the precis Tibetan handwriting styles, followed closely by 12th Tai Situ Rinpoche. Though it is not clear if it was Trungpa who set the new trend or if there was a general awakening of creative expression.
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| 'Dharma' Tibetan calligraphy by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. |
If it was not for the brilliance and initiative of the early Tibetan Lamas communicating Dharma, there would not be such a strong and lively practice of Tibetan calligraphy that has established its own place within the contemporary art world.
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| The late Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche |
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Calligraphy of paper and stone
For those who enjoy the art of beautiful letterform, be it inked on paper or incised in stone, of both East and Western traditions. You may enjoy to adventure out to contemplate art in a clear fresh gallery space or dwell in nature to enjoy the freedom of wondering between sculptures of wise words.....
From the 4th May to the 30th June 2013
Internationally celebrated Richard Kindersly and Tashi Mannox hold a joint exhibition at The Monnow Valley Arts Centre, majestically located beside the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacon National Park.
From its purpose built art studio, galleries and beautifully arranged gardens, dotted with scriptural carved standing stones and other sculptural wonders, is a view that inspires greatness and lifts the heart.
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Throughout the gardens Richard Kindersly exhibits his calligraphy sculptures called 'Material World'. In this exhibition Richard explores the difference between gestural and geomatrically constructed letter forms. These are skillfully demonstrated as carved letters in sandblasted glass, moulded concrete, wood, steel and paper (sometimes with the same text) to show us how lettering can be used in unusual ways and unusual materials.
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While in the studio gallery Tashi Mannox exhibits a collection of works called 'Illuminated Optimism' from his Contemporary and traditional calligraphy series, depicting positive and thought provoking Tibetan Buddhist themes in a medium of ink on paper. Such as his first public showing of 'Hog eats Cock eats Snake' which represents the basic foundation of Samsara and the three aspects of ego: delusion, attachment and aversion, that feed on each other in a perpetual cycle. To remedy this on the path to liberation, Tashi illustrates the classical 'Four Foundations', four topics that are traditionally meditated upon, that lay a firm foundation of right motivation and diligence on the path to enlightenment.
The original Art pieces in the exhibition have been the basis for a series of high quality, limited edition Giclee prints that are also available for sale, making these works accessible to all.
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Throughout the gardens Richard Kindersly exhibits his calligraphy sculptures called 'Material World'. In this exhibition Richard explores the difference between gestural and geomatrically constructed letter forms. These are skillfully demonstrated as carved letters in sandblasted glass, moulded concrete, wood, steel and paper (sometimes with the same text) to show us how lettering can be used in unusual ways and unusual materials.
While in the studio gallery Tashi Mannox exhibits a collection of works called 'Illuminated Optimism' from his Contemporary and traditional calligraphy series, depicting positive and thought provoking Tibetan Buddhist themes in a medium of ink on paper. Such as his first public showing of 'Hog eats Cock eats Snake' which represents the basic foundation of Samsara and the three aspects of ego: delusion, attachment and aversion, that feed on each other in a perpetual cycle. To remedy this on the path to liberation, Tashi illustrates the classical 'Four Foundations', four topics that are traditionally meditated upon, that lay a firm foundation of right motivation and diligence on the path to enlightenment.
The original Art pieces in the exhibition have been the basis for a series of high quality, limited edition Giclee prints that are also available for sale, making these works accessible to all.
The Monnow Valley Art centre is open to the public:
Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm
Weekends 2 - 5pm
Entrance to gallery exhibitions is free, but a donation is requested if not visiting the gardens.
Entrance to gardens, sculpture and National Collection of Contemporary Memorial Arts is by donation of £5 per adult (concessions £3) children under 14 for free.
The Monnow Valley Arts Centre see map
Walterstone
Herefordshire
HR2 0DY
01873 860 529
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Art exhibition launch
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| A detail of a new embossed 'ink-less' calligraphy Especially created for the new exhibition. |
A beautiful sunshine spring day marked the opening of Tashi Mannox's "Illuminated Optimism" exhibition at the Monnow Valley Arts Centre on the border of Wales and the Brecon Beacon National Park.
Chief Trustee Rupert Otten (pictured center) introduces Richard Kindersly and Tashi Mannox at their joint show opening.
Short welcome speeches were delivered by Richard and Tashi to a select audience including Tashi's mother Sally Somersby and his Art photographer and giclée printer Malcolm Payne of 'Colourfast Editions'
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| Malcolm, Tashi and Sally. |
Tashi explains his works that are exhibited in the light and fresh studio space
The exhibition runs along side Richard Kindersly's word sculpture show until the 30th June 2013, a well worth trip out into the stunning Herefordshire countryside near to the Black Mountains of the Brecon Beacon National Park.
The Monnow Valley Art centre is open to the public:
Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm
Weekends 2 - 5pm
Entrance to gallery exhibitions is free, but a donation is requested if not visiting the gardens.
Entrance to gardens, sculpture and National Collection of Contemporary Memorial Arts is by donation of £5 per adult (concessions £3) children under 14 for free.
The Monnow Valley Arts Centre see map
Walterstone
Herefordshire
HR2 0DY
01873 860 529
Wednesday - Friday 11am - 5pm
Weekends 2 - 5pm
Entrance to gallery exhibitions is free, but a donation is requested if not visiting the gardens.
Entrance to gardens, sculpture and National Collection of Contemporary Memorial Arts is by donation of £5 per adult (concessions £3) children under 14 for free.
The Monnow Valley Arts Centre see map
Walterstone
Herefordshire
HR2 0DY
01873 860 529
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The Karmapa Khyeno mantra
The meaning of the "Karmapa Khyeno" mantra by H.H 17th Gyalwang Karmapa, Orgyen Trinley Droje.
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| The 16th Karmapa, Rangjung Rigpe Dorje during the Black Hat ceremony at Dagpo Kagyu Ling, France. Photography by Peter Mannox (Tashi's father). |
The meaning of “Karma” is action or activity, and “Karmapa” means the one who does the activity. The activity here refers to the activity to benefit beings, and that is the main concern of the Buddhas in the ten directions and of the three times.
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| "Karmapa Khyeno" Tibetan Uchen script, ⓒ Tashi Mannox 2013 |
from “17th Gyalwang Karmapa's Teachings “Living The Dharma” English Translator: Ringu Tulku Rinpoche at Tergar Monastery, Bodh Gaya, India. 1/12 ~ 1/14, 2009 http://www.kagyumonlam.org/English/Lectures/20090114_HHK_Teachings_Living_The_Dharma.html
Karmapa Khyeno !
Read more on Karmapa here.
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Talking of Art........
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A Journal of gilding gold on Lapis
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| Mani mantra on lapis-like background ⓒ Tashi Mannox 2013 |
Who doesn't like richness of gold on deep lapis blue colour? a combination made in heaven, historically used for the most divine of Christian icons, Pharaoh's precious ornamentations and sacred Mantras on lapis lazuli tablets.
This is a short photographic story of the creation of the sacred Mani mantra oṃ maṇipadme hūṃ according to the proportionate construction of the Uchen script style.
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Tashi's own.....
A Gallery solely dedicated to fine Tibetan scriptural art is perhaps
the first of its kind in the western world? But is defiantly a first for internationally
celebrated contemporary Tibetan calligraphy
artist Tashi Mannox.
This September launched the “Tashi Gallery” pleasantly situated in
the heart of the famous town of books Hay-on-Wye. This is a very popular destination for it's surrounding beauty in Brecon Beacon National Park
and hosts the yearly internationally acclaimed Hay Book Festival.
The picturesque
Welsh border town nestles below the Black Mountains on the banks of the
majestic River Wye, is a lively cosmopolitan town that boasts a wealth of
arts and literature. Only such a town can comfortably accommodate a Gallery of Dharma art
of Eastern origin.
Tashi Gallery exclusively offers original art masterpieces as well
as excellent quality limited edition prints of Tashi Mannox's complete works.
Also for Eastern Calligraphy enthusiasts, there is an opportunity to select the
finest quality Japanese seal inks, Tashi Mannox has collaborated with the
oldest Japanese traditional seal ink makers to create four different color
shades of vermilion pigments representing 'The Four Season'. This is
also the first time such quality inks are made available in the West.
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| Tashi's hand fashioned 'chops' Japanese 'summer' colour natural vermillion seal ink |
"As the art of beautiful hand writing
finds a new place within the modern world, it is heartwarming to see that such
writing traditions are not only being practiced but also upheld with excellence
and dignity. Such organizations as the Contemporary Calligraphy Museum in
Moscow, the Contemporary Calligraphy Museum in Sharjah and now the Tashi Gallery
all contribute to deliver ancient wisdoms for the modern mind”
Tashi Gallery # 2 The Pavement, Hay-on-Wye, on the Welsh border of
Herefordshire, HR3 5BU, UK.
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Learn to write beautiful Tibetan
Tibetan Calligraphy workshop in Brussels
15th - 16th February 2014
Drawing upon the traditional construction guidelines of the classical Uchen script, Tashi Mannox leads an intensive course in how to correctly form the letters of the Tibetan alphabet, vowels signs and subjoined letters.
This is a workshop suitable for beginners who wish to learn a firm foundation in writing Tibetan, as well as for those more advanced who wish to further their skills in Tibetan calligraphy.
Tashi will also give a public talk on the role of Calligraphy and art within Dharma on Friday 14th Feb 2014, as advertised on the venue website.
For further information and bookings for the weekend workshop, please follow the link here:
Samye Dzong Belgium website.
The weekend workshop will be taught in English with translators in french if needed. If attending the workshop it is advised to bring along your own writing implements and materials, here is a check list for you:
- A3 or A4 size pad of paper, preferably watercolour paper.
- pencils, pencil sharpener and eraser.
- a straight rule.
- different size italic pens*
*Suggested pens can be a range of different size italic felt tip calligraphy pens, or more professional Pilot Parallel Pens in a range of different nib sizes, available on the internet with ink cartridges.
If you find the above website difficult to navigate in French, you can directly email Argiro, the event organiser who can provide payment details to book your place.
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Set in stone.
Stone Mantras
The idiom "set in stone" is generally a metaphor for something 'firmly established', be it a set of rules or a schedule difficult to change. Yet for an artist it may have a more literal meaning as to have their creations carved in stone. This is evident with the highly skilled stonemasons of the bygone middle-age Europe, who erected lofty Cathedrals of stone that seem to defy the law of gravity.
While on the other side of two continents high up on the Tibetan plateau; sacred mantras were carved in stone as a different form of devotional practice.
Yet despite social change and religious degeneration, the robust nature of stone has stood the test of time, proving itself as a medium to be one of the best in longevity.
Earlier this year of 2013, Tashi was contacted by a Frenchman Yann Devorsine, also a fellow Tibetan Buddhist and a stonemason.
Yann had spent some years living the Kingdom of Bhutan, where he had been given the opportunity to practice his skill carving mantras and prayers in the local landscape. A suitable place for such rock carvings, as the tradition of carving mantras on stone has been a historical practice reaching across the broad length of the Himalayas as far as Mustang and North into Tibet and Mongolia.
Yann asked Tashi for the use of one of his calligraphy designs on a particular boulder in Bhutan, which opened up a partnership in carving devotional mantras and prayers on stone in Europe.
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| Tashi's Mani mantra mandala on a boulder is Bhutan. |
More recently Yann carved Tashi's calligraphy for a friend in Algarve, Portugal. The natural landscape of the landowner provided handsome boulders in which several different mantras and seed syllables could be deeply incised or to stand proud, both catching the light to dramatic effects in contrast; revealing the beauty of these sacred characters firmly set in stone for many generations to come.
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| The wild hills of Algarve |
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| "om mani padme hum hri" |
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| The hum syllable |
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| Beyond hum the syllable dhi |
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| The seed syllable dhi of Manjushri |
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| The syllable om |
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| Yann Devorsine |
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The passing of great masters....
Deep gratitude
Three great masters pose for a photo in an Oxford back garden (probably at their residence St Margaret's road) sometime between 1965-67, perhaps dressed for an occasion. Choje Akong Tulku Rinpoche on the left still a monk yet, perhaps in jest, wearing the dress of a Chinese official of old times. At center is Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in best monks robes, beside him on the right is Sherab Palden Beru handsomely clad in a traditional Tibetan Chuba of burnt orange damask silk.
Recently scanned from a slide, this photo has remained unpublished for nearly 50 years. With the tragic passing of Kyabje Akong Rinpoche on the 16th October 2013 and on 29th November 2012, the passing of Sherab Palden Beru, along with the earlier passing of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche in 1987.
Such a historic photographic documentation is all the more poignant, knowing the great lives of these three masters that have influenced and benefited countless beings. Their great legacy lives on in their work, by their example and with their reincarnations.
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| Swift return prayer of Choje Akong Tulku was composed by the 17th Karmapa Orgyen Trinley Dorje. |
Through the blessing power of an ocean of the Three Jewels and the Three Roots, and the Blessing of the interdependence of pure faith and pure Samaya of Lama and follower.
May the shining daylight of this magnificent guide and protector of the teachings and of beings rise as a new incarnation to shine once again, thus bringing benefit to those to be trained.
It is due to the wisdom and artistry of these Bodhi masters that played an invaluable role for Tashi from boyhood. Akong Rinpoche became a spiritual father throughout, teaching values of excellence in creativity, be it sewing fine brocades to writing Tibetan manuscripts, but most importantly, by example in great patience and lovingkindness.
Tashi is also indebted to one of the greatest master of Tibetan Art of this time Sherab Palden Beru, who Tashi worked closely as an apprentice during the timely building of the Samye Ling Temple in Scotland.
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| Akong Rinpoche and Tashi as a monk and attendant during one of many tours around Europe during the 90's. |
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| Akong Rinpoche viewing art prints of Tashi that were presented to him in April 2013, Tashi's last meeting with Akong Rinpoche. |
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| Sherab Palden explaining temple decoration to Tashi as a young monk. |
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Tibetan calligraphy course in America
The Dzogchen community in North East America are very pleased to announce that Tashi Mannox, the esteemed master of Tibetan calligraphy, will be in residence at Tsegyalgar East on 4-6th April 2014 at the invitation of Shang Shung Institute USA and Khandroling Paper Cooperative to teach an introduction to Tibetan Calligraphy.
WHEN: April 4.5.6, 2014 (Daily schedule TBA)
WHERE : Shang Shung LIbrary, 18 Schoolhouse Rd. Conway, Massachusetts, USA.
COST: $225 (includes most materials)
To register and pay online, visit the link here:
According to Tashi, his calligraphy course will be intensive, to teach the correct proportions and how to form the Uchen letters of the Tibetan alphabet, which alone can take two days.
He writes:
I am very interactive with the students and depending on how many people attending (20 persons to a class is manageable) I like to go around the class to give each individual some personal attention in holding the pen and forming the letters, often writing on their paper to demonstrate each letter. So this will be a course for beginners as well as those who are already practiced in Tibetan.
The course starts with a short historic explanation of the Tibetan written language and its spiritual and sacred significance, which I tend to refer to throughout the course. I normally finish the course with teaching the correct way to write the Mani mantra and other key syllables essential for visualisation practices. People love this and go home with their own created art.
So the course is teaching a solid foundation in correct proportion and beautifully formed letters, as starting with a firm foundation is essential to creating beautiful calligraphy with the integrity of the tradition it belongs.
To view a film about Tashi, click here or visit his exquisite website.
Tashi will also be giving a presentation at the Rubin Museum in NYC on April 2, 2014 at 7:30 PM as part of the upcoming exhibition on Tibetan Medicine.
Tashi has given many successful workshops in Europe. We are very honored to have him visit us here in the USA. Please pass the word around.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Participants from out of town may register to stay in the Tsegyagar East Dormitory onsite. Contact the geko@tsegyalgar.org to make a reservation.
If you require a more upscale accommodation Lauri and Bret are offering rooms in their B & B located in Shelburne Falls about 20 minutes away from Conway.You can call 413-824-0502 for further information.Or you can visit the Tsegyalgar East accommodation page
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Calligraphies in Conversation
Calligraphies in Conversation is an international exhibition at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California (ICCNC) highlighting traditional Middle Eastern and Islamic calligraphic art in dialogue with other calligraphy traditions specially Far East calligraphy.
“Calligraphies in Conversation” runs from March to May 2014 and focuses on the connections between Islamic and Eastern calligraphic traditions. ICCNC is incredibly excited to pilot this new project in conjunction with Ziya Art Center and partners from nearby Oakland Chinatown such as Oakland Asian Cultural Center.
An exhibition of curated and newly-made calligraphy from both traditions will be on display. The Curatorial and Jury Panel consists of ICCNC and Ziya Art Center experts as well as local artists have received over 115 submissions from invited calligraphers and through an open call for artists. Most of submissions were from the US, mainly Bay Area, California; but there were several international submissions from different countries including Tashi Mannox of the United Kingdom, Shu Yi Liu of China, Mohammad Navid Bazargan of Iran, Uehira Baikei of Japan, and Josh Berer of Turkey. After a competitive jury process close to 50 artworks have been accepted from 20 artists for the exhibit illustrating a diverse array of Chinese, Japanese, Tibetan, Arabic, Persian, and Turkish calligraphy artworks.
As an additional goal, the exhibitions, by encompassing traditional artworks of different cultures, aim to foster dialogue between diverse cultures and faiths through a traditional art form. Such viewing combinations are rare in California, and will provide the public with the unique opportunity to recognize shared features: The traditions all highlight the power of written word via inscribing it artistically with pen and ink, and emphasize a direct relationship between spirituality and calligraphy. Being a good calligrapher, in the traditional sense, goes hand in hand with developing strong spirit and character.
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Healing Mantra Garland
Creating the Medicine Buddha mantra in ancient Lantsa Sanskrit
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| © Tashi Mannox 2014 |
According the the visualisation of the Medicine Buddha sādhanā, the dhāraṇī mantra of Medicine Buddha turns clockwise around the seed syllable hum, as illustrated above in blue.
The line of small text at the base of the above art piece translates as "The hum in the heart of the self and the front visualisations is surrounded by the mantra garland"
It is impossible of course, to illustrate the turning of the mantra in such a way as a calligraphy on a flat piece of paper, so to illustrate this, the mantra is depicted starting at the bottom of a circle of text that reads to follow anticlockwise. If the circle would be movable, fixing the gaze to read the mantra at one fixed point, the circle of text would turn clockwise.
In creating this art-piece, Tashi needed to take particular care to organise the length of the mantra to fit the full circle, much calculation and measurements in preparation was needed. Each character of the mantra and the seed syllable at the centre was traced and positioned before inking in.
Using a window makes a very effective 'light-box' when tracing the reverse of the image before applying to the artwork.
In filling with black ink.
This art piece was especially created for the Rubin Museum of Art as part of their "Bodies in Balance" exhibition of Tibetan medical art. Tashi gives a lecture/calligraphy interactive at the Rubin on the 2nd April 2014, for more details please follow the link here.
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