A thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha depicting the twelve deeds is a traditional Tibetan Buddhist painting that illustrates the twelve significant events in the life of the historical Buddha, from his descent from Tushita Heaven to his final Parinirvana. These paintings visually narrate his journey toward enlightenment, typically arranged in an anti-clockwise direction and culminating in the centre with the attainment of nirvana. The twelve deeds include the Bodhisattva’s choice to be born to teach others, his representation as a white elephant symbolising purity, his miraculous birth in Lumbini, and his early education, where he mastered the arts and sciences. It also details his life in the palace as a prince, his renunciation of worldly life in search of truth, six years of ascetic practices, and his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The narrative continues with his victory over Mara, the delivery of his first sermon, known as Turning the Wheel of Dharma. It concludes with his final passing into Parinirvana.