Living Practices

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.

Religious Goals

Tantric practitioners strive to transform themselves by using meditative and ritual tools with the ultimate goal of enlightenment or awakening. One of the primary instrumental practices of their training is visualization, or creating images in the mind’s eye.

The physical depiction of a deity is an important aid in this process. Thangkas of tantric deities are often displayed during rituals where practitioners are initiated into practices that focus on those deities. Series of paintings can also be used to elaborate the textual descriptions of a particular tantra. Displaying such sets of paintings in a temple enables familiarization with the forms of the deities. It is believed that by merely looking at such images viewers can improve their chances of advancement to awakening.

Objects in the Exhibition

Secular Aims
Religious rituals and the commissioning of art can serve everyday secular needs, the most common being wealth, health, and long life.
Storytelling
Many Himalayan paintings serve as illustrations and instructional tools that bring forth stories about the Buddha, Tibetan masters, and more.