Shakyamuni Buddha Mandala Thangka Introduction To The Thangka : Gautam Buddha, also often referred to as Sakyamuni, was a spiritual teacher upon whose lessons the foundations for Buddhism were formed. He is regarded as the Supreme Buddha and is the first enlightened individual to be visualized. Despite some confusion from those who do not follow Buddhism, it is important to note that the Buddha was not considered a God. He was rather a mere human, like the rest of us, who was able to develop an