Into a Buddha's Painting: Story Behind the Art

Last Updated: March 4, 2024

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I met Bikash in a hostel supported by an NGO in Nepal. He was staying there with almost 12 other boys and girls rescued and supported by the organization after their village in Gorkha was badly hit by the Earthquake of 2015. It was just a casual meeting, or in a way I accidentally happened to be there while dropping off one  my friend Kamal. I had dinner with the group. We had a good time. I played some Nepali folk songs and the kids loved it very much.

After a few years, I was having a conversation with my friend about Buddha and his values, and how I feel inclined to understand the Buddhist values and meaning of Buddhist symbols. I reflected my interest in getting a nice painting of Buddha.

Then my friend reminded me “Do you remember one of the boys that have been rehabilitated from the earthquake region?”

I said, “Sorry I don't know who you are exactly talking about”. She replied “ Bikash! He is really good with art. Maybe he can help you with getting a Buddha painting”

I said “Wow! That would be absolutely perfect. Do you have his contact number?”

Then my friend shared his number. And I reached out to Bikash.

The Moment of Conceptualizing Buddha Painting

I was really amazed to see the incredible capabilities of this boy. I am not saying just because he was rescued from an earthquake ridden village. But also because of his extreme talent and his impressive humbleness.

When I asked him the requirement of my Buddha’s painting he was really attentive and caught my expectations really quick.

I wanted a portrait of Buddha’s face in a canvas painting, I wanted it to be kind of golden color, it should look solid and with shades. I wanted to feel like looking at a statue when I look at the painting. Bikash listened to my every word really carefully and absorbed it to his conscience.

Moment of Receiving the Buddha’s Art

After almost a couple of weeks, Bikash called me and said “Brother, your painting is ready”. I could have asked you to send me a picture of it on whatsapp, but I wanted to see how it looks in real time. So I just hung up the phone and rushed to him on my motorcycle. When I reached his room and saw this magnificent work of his , I was kind of mesmerized, Buddha with closed eyes and smiling bright expression.

His work of art really gave me peace of mind and touched my soul. I was really thankful to this boy for his remarkable work of artistry.

- Story of Bikash Gurung by Narayan Mourya