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What is an Appliqué Thangka 1:41

Leslie defines “thangka,” and introduces different ways we can relate to the sacred images depicted in thangkas.

How to Hang a Thangka 8:04

How to hang a thangka, how to arrange the thangka drape or veil, and how to roll a thangka up for transport or storage.

Author Q&A 16:08

Leslie reads from her book, Threads of Awakening, and responds to questions at Boulder Book Store.

Building a Silk Thangka 2:34

In this clip, Leslie outlines the construction process of a traditional Tibetan fabric thangka, an ancient and rare Himalayan art form.

Meeting the Dalai Lama 2:38

Leslie talks about the Dalai Lama’s response to her artwork during a private audience in 1997.

Getting a New Name 1:45

Leslie tells the story of her Tibetan name, Rinchen Wongmo, and talks about identity and naming in Tibetan culture.

Fiber Talk Stitch Hour 1:34:14

Gary Parr and Beth Ellicott inquire into several aspects of Leslie’s thangka-making journey, and Leslie demonstrates the techniques involved in preparing horsehair cords. Action starts at the 5-minute mark.

Buddhistdoor Global 1:27:27

When Your Detour Becomes Your Life’s Path: a Zoom talk with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo about her new book and her journey to become a silk-thangka maker.

Sacred Syllables 1:35

In this clip, Leslie describes the sacred syllables printed on the back of all thangkas symbolizing the clear awakening of body, speech, and mind.

Trichotillomania & Thangka 2:34

Leslie talks about her struggle with trichotillomania and BFRBs and how these tendencies might have predisposed her to becoming a silk thangka maker.

Focus on the Masters Interview

Watch Leslie’s wide-ranging conversation with Donna Granata of Focus on the Masters. They talk about life and the experience of learning and making silk thangkas.

Steeped in Dharma 0:55

In this excerpt from Focus on the Masters, Leslie reflects on the power of a spiritual environment.

Threads of Awakening 5:18

Watch Leslie stitch and learn about the ancient Tibetan Buddhist tradition from which this exquisite artwork arises.

Leslie on Career Day 4:14

Career Day is a TV show that inspires kids to explore a variety of career paths. Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo shares about making thangkas.

Leslie on Benevolence 3:52

This documentary short by Bart Vandever was selected for a “Special Award” in the 2020 Jing Shan Classic Cultural & Creative Arts Awards.

Creating Buddhas: the Making & Meaning of Fabric Thangkas

Purchase the DVD

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Learn More

Visit www.creatingbuddhas.com for additional information.

Watch the trailer ☞

This hour-long documentary film explores Leslie’s life-changing journey of discovering fabric thangka; her apprenticeship in Dharmasala, India; the step-by-step process of producing a fabric thanka; and the history and spiritual significance of this art form in Tibetan Buddhism. Over the course of the film, we watch Leslie produce a thangka of the female buddha, Tara.

Watch the trailer above.

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