The highly sophisticated rituals of Himalayan religious traditions are often depicted in art.
Ritual informs the structure of religious life in the Himalayas, defining the daily routine of practitioners and shaping a range of community-based activities, from festivals to memorials. People perform rituals to achieve a wide range of secular and spiritual goals and to accumulate religious merit. The main purpose for creating sacred art is for use in such ritual contexts.
See a monk performing a ritual in Bhutan (24:07-27:05). From the film by Marie-Noëlle Frei-Pont made in 1974-1982. Reproduced with permission. Travel with Claudio, "Country Life in the Bumthang Valley Bhutan 1974 – 1982," YouTube, 1:22:14, https://youtu.be/K3Bjr8K_DEw.
Ritual informs the structure of religious life in the Himalayas, defining the daily routine of practitioners and shaping a range of community-based activities.
In Himalayan cultures religious merit is the overarching reason for creating, commissioning, dedicating, and using religious works of art.
Religious rituals and the commissioning of art can serve everyday secular needs, the most common being wealth, health, and long life.
Tantric practitioners strive to transform themselves by using meditative and ritual tools with the ultimate goal of enlightenment or awakening.
Many Himalayan paintings serve as illustrations and instructional tools that bring forth stories about the Buddha, Tibetan masters, and more.
Instructive paintings can illustrate religious doctrines, medical and astrological charts, or images of ritual implements and meditative postures.
Experience a sacred space similar to what could be found in a Tibetan household where religious objects are displayed and used in ritual and devotional practices.
Art in Himalayan regions and culturally related areas of Inner Asia plays an important role in the everyday and religious life of the people.
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