Size: 43 × 46 cm
Origin: Hand-painted in Boudha, Nepal

Discover the timeless journey of the mind with this exquisite Nine Stages of Meditation Thangka, meticulously hand-painted by skilled Nepali artisans in the heart of Boudha. This traditional artwork illustrates the classic Tibetan path of shamatha (calm-abiding meditation), symbolized through the gradual taming of the wild elephant by the meditator.

Every detail on this canvas is painted with natural pigments and steady-handed precision, bringing to life the symbolic imagery—monks, elephants, monkeys, flames, and luminous deities—that guide practitioners through the progressive stages of mental clarity, stability, and insight.

The Significance of the Nine Stages of Meditation: A Practice Reminder Inspired by the Thangka

This traditional thangka depicts the classic progression of shamatha (calm-abiding) meditation using the symbolic journey of a monk taming a wild elephant. Each stage illustrates how the mind gradually transforms—from restless and distracted into calm, powerful, and clear.

Below are the nine stages, expressed as simple reminders you can return to again and again during practice:

1. Placement of the Mind

Just begin. Bring your attention to the object of meditation, even if it wanders instantly.
The elephant (mind) is completely wild, and the monkey (distraction) leads. This stage celebrates the courage to start.

2. Continual Placement

Keep coming back.
You can return to your meditation object again and again. Even brief moments of presence plant real seeds.

3. Repeated Placement

Don’t give up — repetition builds strength.
Each time you notice wandering and gently return, you cultivate stability. The mind starts to respond.

4. Close Placement

You can stay with the object a little longer now.
Distractions lose some power. The elephant shows early signs of taming; the monk gains confidence.

5. Taming

Your mind can become your friend.
Here, you notice subtle agitation or laziness, and you learn to work skillfully with both.

6. Pacifying

Reminder: Even subtle thoughts can be calmed with gentle awareness.
The monkey is less influential; the elephant follows more willingly. You experience real tranquility.

7. Thorough Pacifying

Your attention becomes naturally steady.
The mind is quieter, lighter, and more spacious. Distractions still arise, but they dissolve quickly.

8. One-Pointed Attention

You can rest deeply.
The meditator no longer battles distraction. Awareness becomes unified, strong, and joyful.

9. Balanced Placement

Effort transforms into effortless presence.
Here, shamatha is fully developed: clarity, stillness, and stability arise naturally. The elephant is completely tamed and follows the meditator with ease.

Overall Teaching of the Thangka

• The elephant = your mind
  The monkey = distraction 
  The flames = the effort needed (which decrease as you progress)
  The path = your daily practice
  The meditator = your awareness

Reminder: The path is gradual, but transformation is guaranteed when you keep practicing with gentleness and perseverance.