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.

Ritual

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.

Video

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.

Objects in the Exhibition

Merit
In Himalayan cultures religious merit is the overarching reason for creating, commissioning, dedicating, and using religious works of art.
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Vajra and Bell

Tibet
18th century
Metal
SC2022.3.2.1-2
Rubin Museum of Art
Gift from the collection of Jane Verner Aye
Photos by Ryan Hulvat, Courtesy of Lehigh University Art Galleries, 2023, and Sharif Hassan

The vajra and bell are the most widely used implements in Tantric Buddhist rituals. They often appear being held by deities and humans in paintings and sculptures. The two objects are highly symbolic, with the vajra scepter representing method (compassionate action) and the bell representing wisdom (understanding of reality). When used together they represent the unity of these two key aspects of the enlightened mind.

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