A Legacy in Brushstrokes: Exploring Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure and its Visionary Co-Owners

Deep in the center of Kathmandu's inner core, where the sacred art of Tibetan Buddhist art still thrives, is Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure. It is not just a shop but a manifestation of one family's commitment to preserving and spreading the divine art of Thangka painting. It was established in 1978 by three brothers, Surendra Bahadur Shahi, Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari, and Birendra Shahi. The business boasts of being one of the first specialist Thangka art business in Nepal, something that is testament to its wealthy and healthy past and acceptance within society.

This longevity is not survival alone; it's a testament to a strong foundation rooted in genuine passion for the art and in-depth knowledge of its spiritual significance. As a family enterprise, Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure is a reflection of a personal dedication in every brush stroke, every carefully chosen color. This dedication is seen in their decades of service to monasteries and high-ranking Rinpoches.

Their experience in creating Thangkas for such prestigious institutions attests to the authenticity and impeccable quality of their work. It indicates their commitment to adhering to traditional iconographic principles, thus rendering each one not just a work of art but a religious image worthy of worship and temple wall space.
This unwavering commitment has been rewarded with sponsorship and endorsement from the Buddhist community, a certain indication of their integrity and professionalism.

One of the most important recommendations besides their impeccable reputation is that of Lama Zopa Rinpoche, one of the most highly regarded figures of Tibetan Buddhism.
His recommendation of Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure to Kopan Monastery and its sponsors is a testament to the accuracy and the high spiritual quality imparted to the Thangkas produced by their workshop. This endorsement in the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT) also validates the shop's aspiration to identify with pure Buddhist practice and benefit the broader spiritual community.

The reputation of their fine work is spread all over the globe, with Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure Thangkas becoming part of the FPMT Foundation Store. It not only enriches their work but also establishes their reputation in the global Buddhist community as authentic and spiritually enriched providers of Thangkas.

As with most traditional business ventures, Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure took a hit from the disastrous 2015 earthquake. The fact that their network provided livelihood for up to 300 painters and apprentices, quite a few of whom hailed from the worst-hit regions, will provide an idea of the scale of their venture and the degree of disruption that can be wrought by such extraneous circumstances on the livelihood of traditional craft and living. Their perseverance in the face of such challenge is testament to their profound dedication to their people and their art.

Despite all of these, Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure not only endured but thrived to serve the evolving market. Though they have maintained their close connection with monasteries, they have been able to acquire an international client base primarily in China, the US, and Europe. This implies that they are capable of adapting to a host of different market needs while staying close to their core of quality and authenticity.

In welcoming the new age, Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure has also stepped into their virtual life in their YouTube channel. The online endeavor allows them to present their beautiful piece of art to the world and to give an insight into the process and spirituality of Thangka painting in this age of digital technology.

The Visionaries Behind the Brushstrokes: Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari and Birendra Shahi

While a founding brother is being honored in the name "Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure," the shop's continuing success and reputation over the decades remain a tribute to the shared vision and dedication of the three: Surendra Bahadur Shahi, Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari, and Birendra Shahi.

Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari, as a co-founder, has been involved in the business since its inception in 1978. The long association says a lot about his deep love for the art and his commitment to the family business. His presence with his brothers at a significant meeting with FPMT representatives in 2016 is proof of his active interest in establishing crucial links with major Buddhist organizations. His dedication ensures that Thangkas produced are of the strict criteria and religious significance demanded by religious groups.

Birendra Shahi, a co-founder, shares this profound dedication to the Thangka art and family business. That he remains involved is testimony to his unfaltering dedication to the spread and preservation of this sacred art. His visit to the 2016 meeting with the FPMT again illustrates his continued involvement with major clients and the Buddhist community as a whole. A photo from the same year, featuring Birendra Shahi alongside celebrated Tibetan artist Robert Beer, further suggests a productive link to the broader community of Thangka artists and the potential for artistic exchange and further evolution within the practice.

Collectively, Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari and Birendra Shahi, and brother Surendra Bahadur Shahi, are the pioneers of the Thangka art business in Nepal. Their early setup of Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure has been one of the driving forces behind the appreciation and accessibility of the unique art form. Their long-term commitment to quality, their utmost respect for tradition, and their survival through hardships while evolving with the modern market have made their workshop's revered position certain.

Last but not least, Surendra's Tibetan Thanka Treasure, led by the vision and determination of its co-owners, like Pradip Kumar Rajbhandari and Birendra Shahi, is a living testament to traditional Tibetan Buddhist art in Kathmandu. Their commitment to the highest quality, their strong association with the religious community, and their ability to adapt to the new world ensure that their legacy in brushstrokes will only continue to enrich the spiritual and artistic fabric for generations to