How the 7th century figure of Kuratsukuri Tori set a cosmopolitan and multicultural example for Buddhist sculptors
china
Echoes from the Mogao Caves in Tan Dun’s “Buddha Passion”
Exploring the poetic power behind Tan Dun’s “Buddha Passion,” performed by the London Philharmonic Orchestra on 22 January
Painting and Patriotism: A Celebration of Chinese Calligraphy and Chan for Hong Kong’s 25th Handover Anniversary
A Buddhist calligraphic and art exhibition to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Britain’s handover of Hong Kong to China
Of Prayer Flags and Yak Cheese: Diane Barker’s “Portraits of Tibet”
An extraordinary new photo book documenting the daily lives of Tibet’s last nomads
In Review: “The Taming of the Demons,” Charles B. Jones’ “Pure Land”
Here are some books I’m reviewing or have recently reviewed.
Where the Lights of Chang’an Never Go Out: the Age of Confidence from Tang Mausoleum Murals
Exhibit curator Davis Leung with Dr. Isabelle Frank, consulting curator, outside the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery “A Glimpse of Tang Prosperity from Murals—The Exhibition Tour on Murals of the Tang Dynasty,” will be concluding soon. On display at the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery until 12 June, the exhibit showcases digitally restored mural art […]
Conservation matters to China. It should be a core Chinese Buddhist concern
If one seeks to understand better the general direction of Buddhist priorities in China, clues can be found in the National Cultural Heritage Administration’s (NCHA) blueprint of preserving China’s ancient grottoes in early December last year. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–25), the NCHA released its own plan that would, by 2025, result in an […]
The Lay Perspective: A Journey into the Dharma
Being Buddhist is wonderful, knowing the Dharma is even more so, and spreading it on social media, creating a small oasis of peace in a historical moment when these platforms have become places of pain, toxicity, and fake news, is a blessing. My name is Martina, but people call me Gotami, the Dharma name that […]
Jon Kolkin’s “Inner Harmony: Living in Balance” – Visual Stories from the Heart of Asia
Dr. Jon Kolkin’s photographic volume Inner Harmony: Living in Balance exudes creative ambition and heart. A cursory look at the time it took for him to compile this collection of images – seventeen extended visits to Asia from 2007 to 2018 – attests to the time, patience, and toil that the distinguished and globe-trotting creator […]
Buddhism in International Relations: The Sino-Indian Relationship
This series on Buddhism and international relations by Durgesh Kasbekar is a modified series from an essay “Buddhism in International Relations” by the same author. International relations and global politics are often absent from reflections about Buddhism in academia. This series aims to provide a small corrective and highlight how Buddhism affects and is affected by […]