𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒎𝒊 𝑱𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒂 (1976) — Emotional Depth in Color: Weathering the storm of misunderstanding, in 1976 he created “𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑵𝒆𝒎𝒊 𝑱𝒂𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒂,” the fourth story of the Mahanipata Jataka, focusing on “Adhitthana Parami” (Decisive Resolution). It tells of King Nemi, whose righteous rule impressed the angels, leading them to invite him to witness both Heaven and Hell to confirm the fruits of karma. In Thawan’s version, the forms became bolder, with oil paint adding visceral weight to the karmic realms. Surrealist anatomy was employed to directly communicate human passions and desires.

These masterpieces stand as a testament to the resilience of Surrealism and its ability to coexist harmoniously with Buddhist philosophy, even when society was not yet ready to embrace it.