In Himalayan cultures most objects are created with a specific purpose, often in the context of religious practices or special occasions marking life events, but also as part of everyday secular activities. These images and objects function as part of living practices, whether individual, familial, professional, or communal.
In Himalayan cultures religious merit is the overarching reason for creating, commissioning, dedicating, and using religious works of art. Tied closely to the concept of karma, merit is an investment in the future that can bring about results in this lifetime or future ones.
The creation of religious objects, including paintings and sculptures, is a meritorious activity dedicated to the benefit of all. Sometimes paintings are commissioned and dedicated to ensure a fortunate rebirth for deceased loved ones; other times they are intended to increase the odds of a living person leading a long life free of sickness and obstacles. Merit is also accumulated just by looking at sacred objects and praying to the deity or buddha represented.
In daily life ritual objects called prayer wheels are used for the “virtual” recitation of invocations (mantras). These objects range in size from handheld to giant. The act of rotating them is said to equal the reading of a mantra, allowing practitioners to accumulate thousands of recitations. Turning prayer wheels and walking around symbolic representations of the Buddha’s mind (stupas) are the most common Buddhist practices believed to bring great merit.
Ritual informs the structure of religious life in the Himalayas, defining the daily routine of practitioners and shaping a range of community-based activities.
Stupas are made to hold precious relics of the Buddha or other important religious leaders, as well as symbolic “relics” of the Buddha’s teachings (dharma). In India stupas were originally hemispherical mounds, but gradually they evolved into more complex forms. Stupas can be found in all sizes throughout the Himalayas, marking important locations. People walk around them, performing a circumambulation, often while turning prayer wheels. Activities such as reciting mantras and walking around stupas, temples, or other sacred sites are believed to increase a person’s merit.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Cum nihil placeat pariatur deserunt eius ullam incidunt maxime sunt ipsam. Ipsa, provident, laudantium, rem assumenda laboriosam veniam autem voluptas sint officia distinctio enim aut explicabo fuga animi voluptatum earum recusandae excepturi atque dignissimos iste? Exercitationem, praesentium eum. Harum ut maiores expedita exercitationem perspiciatis soluta aperiam dolores natus unde, sequi vitae debitis ex aliquam quas eum reprehenderit esse. Cumque amet et earum necessitatibus, repellendus ullam ducimus corporis architecto culpa placeat eum odit cum iure illo vitae rerum! Ullam et suscipit culpa? Eos voluptatum laudantium iste vero impedit adipisci maxime magni natus voluptatibus.
Sign up for our emails
Get the latest news and stories from the Rubin, plus occasional information on how to support our work.
