On October 16, 2025, the Shancai Hall of Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden welcomed the grand opening of the largest Thangka painting exhibition ever held in Canada — Attuning the Heart Through Discipline – The Rangbala Thangka Art Exhibition.
Rangbala Thangka Art Exhibition Opens at Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden
Originating and flourishing on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Thangka is a unique form of scroll painting that has become a vital carrier of Tibetan Buddhist culture over more than a thousand years. Its subjects encompass Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, deities, dharma protectors, lineage masters, and local spirits, as well as traditional Tibetan medicine, astronomy, astrology, and auspicious symbols — blending practical and symbolic meaning. The art is characterized by precise composition, vibrant colors, and rich symbolic language, reflecting the influence of artistic traditions from China’s Central Plains, Jiangnan region, Nepal, India, and Central Asia. From painted Thangkas (color, gold, red, black) to woven and embroidered Thangkas (silk tapestry, appliqué, embroidery), this art form demonstrates profound craftsmanship and deep cultural layers.
Venerable Dayi, President of the Buddhist Association of Canada, delivered a speech.
This exhibition, themed Following Discipline, Illuminating the Mind, symbolizes the harmony between natural rhythm and the inner world — seeking the essence of art through mindfulness. “Rangbala” derived from “Rangbala-tang,” means “the abode of the Yellow Wealth Deity” in Tibetan, referring to Rangtang County in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. This land, nourished by Buddhist culture for centuries, has nurtured generations of Thangka artists and inheritors. More than 50 exquisite Thangka works on display were created by young Tibetan artists from the Rangbala Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritance Association in Rangtang County.
Guests attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the Rangbala Thangka Art Exhibition.
As a cultural sanctuary integrating religion, art, education, ecology, and tourism, Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden continues to radiate spiritual vitality and light. Through this exhibition, the Garden hopes to illuminate North America with the wisdom of ancient Eastern civilization, to further the modern integration of Han and Tibetan culture, and to foster dialogue between Eastern and Western civilizations. The event also commemorates the spiritual legacy of Venerable Xingkong, the founding abbot of Cham Shan Temple, with the aspiration to purify the mind through art and transmit the Dharma with heart — realizing enlightenment together.
The collaboration between the Buddhist Association of Canada and the Rangbala Intangible Cultural Heritage Association represents a cross-border, cross-cultural dialogue between Han and Tibetan art — a vivid embodiment of the Buddhist Association’s aspiration of “Harmony Between Han and Tibetan Buddhism, Following Discipline and Illuminating the Mind.”
In his opening speech, Venerable Dayi, President of the Buddhist Association of Canada and Abbot of Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, emphasized that this is the first art exhibition ever hosted at the Garden — a milestone event carrying the Association’s vision to promote East–West cultural exchange and Buddhist art. He noted that this is not only the largest Thangka exhibition in Canadian history but also a meaningful practice of cultural integration and coexistence between Han and Tibetan traditions. He expressed hope that this exhibition would mark the beginning of more diverse and enriching cultural programs at Wutai Shan, allowing the light of the Dharma to shine throughout North America for the benefit of all beings.
Sangzhou, President of the Rangbala Intangible Cultural Heritage Association and a representative of young Tibetan artists, also spoke at the ceremony. He shared his gratitude and joy at presenting Thangka art in such a sacred venue. Since its founding in 2010, the Association has offered free training to local youth, cultivating over 200 Thangka painters. It has organized more than 20 exhibitions in Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and cooperated with Tsinghua University, the Central Academy of Fine Arts, and the Palace Museum on academic and artistic projects. He expressed his wish that these heartfelt Thangka creations would inspire mindfulness, awaken wisdom, and promote Han–Tibetan exchange and China–Canada friendship.
In a congratulatory letter, Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote:
“The meaning of art extends far beyond the canvas — it tells stories, conveys emotions, and shapes cultural identity. Thank you to all the artists whose works enrich Canada’s artistic landscape with vitality and diversity.”
He extended warm congratulations to the organizers and artists, adding that:
“Today’s event and the participation of everyone present embody the unity and strength of Canada’s multicultural communities and their vital role in our national identity.”
The opening ceremony brought together numerous distinguished guests from politics, art, and religion, including Members of Parliament Vincent Ho and Michael Ma, Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto Cheng Hongbo, Mayor Matthew Graham of Cavan Monaghan, Mayor Doug Elmslie of Kawartha Lakes, ROM Co-Chief Curator of Art and Culture Dr. Shen Chen, Venerable Chongcheng and Venerable Congci of Lingyen Mountain Temple in Vancouver, Venerable Hongzheng of Dharma Seal Temple in Los Angeles, Venerable Pindao of New York, MPP Laurie Scott, Kawartha Lakes Deputy Mayor Charlie McDonald, Councillor Tracy Richardson, Economic Development Manager Rebecca Mustard, Cultural Development Officer Donna Goodwin, Art Museum Director Chen Hanzhong, Wutai Shan Construction Committee Co-Chair Alex Huang, CCCGT Founding Chairman Mingda Zhang, CCCGT Chairman Alan Lam, Honorary Patron of Asian Heritage Month Justin Poy, and many supporters and lay devotees.
The opening ceremony was solemn yet vibrant — music and Thangka art intertwined to create a feast for both the eyes and the soul, transcending culture and borders. The event featured performances of classic Chinese and Canadian songs and a documentary video on Thangka art, immersing the audience in the atmosphere of the Tibetan Plateau.
Jointly organized by the Buddhist Association of Canada and the Rangbala Intangible Cultural Heritage Association of Sichuan, and hosted by Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden, this exhibition received strong support from many organizations and individuals in both China and Canada. It will run until November 15, 2025, during which live demonstrations of Thangka painting will be held periodically.
Easycan Inc. (Easy Media) — Journalists Jeff Gao & Shengji Lin (Writing / Photography / Videography / Editing)
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