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Seek a deeper understanding of the fundamental and enduring questions that have been raised by thoughtful human beings in the rich traditions of the East.
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Himalayan Art 101: Wealth Deities
Buddhist practice and Buddhist art have been inseparable in the Himalayas ever since Buddhism arrived to the region in the eighth century. But for the casual observer it can be difficult to make sense of the complex iconography. Not to worry—Himalayan art scholar Jeff Watt is here to help. In this "Himalayan Buddhist Art 101" series, Jeff is making sense of this rich artistic tradition by presenting weekly images from the Himalayan Art Resources archives and explaining their roles in the Buddhist tradition. This week Jeff explores a subcategory of meditational deities called wealth deities. Read on to learn more about Jambhala, a popular Himalayan wealth deity. Wealth Deities More » -
Himalayan Art 101: Meditational Deities of Tibet
Buddhist practice and Buddhist art have been inseparable in the Himalayas ever since Buddhism arrived to the region in the eighth century. But for the casual observer it can be difficult to make sense of the complex iconography. Not to worry—Himalayan art scholar Jeff Watt is here to help. In this "Himalayan Buddhist Art 101" series, Jeff is making sense of this rich artistic tradition by presenting weekly images from the Himalayan Art Resources archives and explaining their roles in the Buddhist tradition. This week Jeff explores two images found in the newest Tricycle Gallery, "Wrathful Deities." Visit the gallery and send images to your friends. Meditational Deities of Tibet More » -
Wrathful Deities film excerpt by John Bush
A unique aspect of Vajrayana Buddhism is how it actively works with darkness and negativity to transform them into luminous wisdom. My first experience with Tibetan Buddhism’s wrathful deities was in Bodhgaya, India in 1971. After completing two months of intensive meditation with S. N. Goenka, I climbed to a legendary charnel ground outside of town used for sky burial. The monks there welcomed me into a very small temple with a large statue of Maha Kala, The Fierce Dark One. More » -
Himalayan Art 101: Meditational Deities
Buddhist practice and Buddhist art have been inseparable in the Himalayas ever since Buddhism arrived to the region in the eighth century. But for the casual observer it can be difficult to make sense of the complex iconography. Not to worry—Himalayan art scholar Jeff Watt is here to help. In this "Himalayan Buddhist Art 101" series, Jeff is making sense of this rich artistic tradition by presenting weekly images from the Himalayan Art Resources archives and explaining their roles in the Buddhist tradition. This week Jeff explores two images found in the newest Tricycle Gallery, "Wrathful Deities." Visit the gallery and send images to your friends. Meditational Deities More » -
Himalayan Art 101: Protector Deities of Tibetan Origin
Buddhist practice and Buddhist art have been inseparable in the Himalayas ever since Buddhism arrived to the region in the eighth century. But for the casual observer it can be difficult to make sense of the complex iconography. Not to worry—Himalayan art scholar Jeff Watt is here to help. In this "Himalayan Buddhist Art 101" series, Jeff is making sense of this rich artistic tradition by presenting weekly images from the Himalayan Art Resources archives and explaining their roles in the Buddhist tradition. This week Jeff explores two images found in the newest Tricycle Gallery, "Wrathful Deities." Visit the gallery and send images to your friends. Protector Deities of Tibetan Origin More » -
Chinese Mining Company Might Destroy Ancient Buddhist Ruins in Mes Aynak
More than 2,500 years ago, Buddhists established a sprawling monastery complex in the barren desert just 25 miles southeast of present-day Kabul, Afghanistan, attracted to the remote location because of its rich copper deposits. Mes Aynak, the once vibrant home to hundreds of Buddha statues and Bronze Age treasures, fell into ruin for centuries.The former spiritual center rose again to prevalence thousands of years later when the disregarded ruins became an Al-Qaeda training ground, playing host to high-ranking members of the terrorist organization beginning in 1999. Eight years later, in 2007, the red-brown metal that first caught the Buddhists’ eyes brought an international giant onto the scene. More »
