Book Description
The Indian Buddhist world abounds with goddesses--voluptuous tree spirits, maternal nurturers, potent healers and protectors, transcendent wisdom figures, cosmic mothers of liberation, and dancing female Buddhas. Despite their importance in Buddhist thought and practice, these female deities have received relatively little scholarly attention, and no comprehensive study of the female pantheon has been available. Buddhist Goddesses of India is the essential and definitive guide to divinities that, as Miranda Shaw writes, "operate from transcendent planes of bliss and awareness for as long as their presence may benefit living beings."
Beautifully illustrated, the book chronicles the histories, legends, and artistic portrayals of nineteen goddesses and several related human figures and texts. Drawing on a sweeping range of material, from devotional poetry and meditation manuals to rituals and artistic images, Shaw reveals the character, powers, and practice traditions of the female divinities. Interpretations of intriguing traits such as body color, stance, hairstyle, clothing, jewelry, hand gestures, and handheld objects lend deep insight into the symbolism and roles of each goddess.
In addition to being a comprehensive reference, this book traces the fascinating history of these goddesses as they evolved through the early, Mahayana, and Tantric movements in India and found a place in the pantheons of Tibet and Nepal.
Customer Reviews:
Revised Edition (2002).......2003-11-01
The 1993 edition of Fisher's "Buddhist Art and Architecture" was reprinted, with revisions, in 2002. The cover of the revised edition is like the 1993 edition (i.e. the Kansas Guanyin), but now framed within a diamond-shape which is inset into a black background. The text is current on recent scholarship, such as the role of aniconism in Early Buddhist art, and cosmological interpretations of Angkor Wat. Attention is paid to the organic development of Buddhist art styles as they evolved in being transmitted from country to country, although I wish that even more emphasis had been put on this.
The book is organized by region: of its 200 pages, approximately 40-50 pages each are devoted to India, China, Korea/Japan, and Southeast Asia. The book's wide area coverage is both an advantage and a disadvantage, since much has been left out. For example, there is only one paragraph on the life of the Buddha himself, and not even a mention of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), arguably Japan's most famous and beautiful architectural icon. I would also have liked to see a greater use of color illustrations (only 32 of 179, in the present edition).
I hope that readers who start with this book will go on to more in-depth treatments, such as the same author's excellent introduction to the Art of Tibet (Thames & Hudson, 1998).
A solid introduction.......2001-05-30
I am an architectural historian with a fairly extensive knowledge of Buddhist architecture. Even though this is an introductory text, Fisher's book explained some things I've failed to find anywhere else. Another plus is that Fisher includes Buddhist art/architecture from every Buddhist country. Usually books of this type leave out countries for expediency. Though this book is short, Fisher touches it all.
A well organized introductory text.......2000-07-05
Fisher's book offers an accessible, well-organized overview of both the evolution and meaning of Budhist art and architecture for the uninitiated. Never having studied Buddhism or Asian History prior to a recent trip to Southeast Asia, I found the balance between general explanations of subject matter and geographic breakdown useful. Returning to the book upon return, it was clear that most of the major, recurring symbols observed (Budha's subduing of the Mara, other meditative and teaching postures, the sometimes uneasy juxtaposition of Hindu and Budhist structure and symbols, etc.) were mentioned in this survey.
The narrative is clear, if occasionally dry. The photographs are not, however, ideally located to match their corresponding texts, and it would have been helpful to have included in the captions a note about where the given object was located (rather than having to wade through a paragraph at the back of the book that does not even list the citations numerically). Still, the book is well indexed and the illustrations are well chosen.
A quick but thoughtful history of Buddhist Art in Asia.......2000-04-21
As an instructor in Asian Arts and cultures survey courses, I am always looking for short works that give a quick overview of essential cultural elements across the wide spectrum of Asian experience. This book is excellent as a source book for understanding the breadth and beauty of Buddhist art forms throughout Asia.
Product Description
This volume is about the long-neglected, but decisive influence of Uygur patrons on Dunhuang art in the tenth and eleventh centuries. Through an insightful introduction to the hitherto little-known early history and art of the Uygurs, the author explains the social and political forces that shaped the taste of Uygur patrons. The cultural and political effects of Sino-Uygur political marriages are examined in the larger context of the role of high-ranking women in medieval art patronage.
Careful study of the iconography, technique and style sheds new light on important paintings in the collection of the British Museum in London, and the Musée national des Arts asiatiques-Guimet, in Paris, and through comparative analysis the importance of regional art centres in medieval China and Central Asia is explored. Richly illustrated with line drawings, as well as colour and black-and-white plates.
Book Description
Burmese wooden monasteries and related pavilions have not received the scholarly attention that they deserve. This is unfortunate, given the particularly ephemeral nature of wood in a damp tropical climate, with voracious insect life and the ever-present risk of floods, fire and earthquakes. Many extant structures are in a dilapidated condition; either the original donors have moved away or their descendants no longer have adequate financial resources to maintain a forebear's work. This book introduces the reader to the beauty and genius of Burmese craftsmanship as expressed in the construction and embellishment of Buddhist wooden monasteries. For posterity, the details of many wooden monasteries are recordedânot only the "old" and the "beautiful," but also others with architectural features of note. The book is copiously illustrated with sketches of floor plans and architectural details of many monasteries as well as with photographs of significant features of temple architecture.
Average customer rating:
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Symbolism of the Stupa (Studies on Southeast Asia)
Adrian Snodgrass , and
Craig J. Reynolds
Manufacturer: Cornell University Southeast Asia Program Publications
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Psycho-Cosmic Symbolism of the Buddhist Stupa
ASIN: 0877277001
Release Date: 1985-03-01 |
Product Description
An exhaustive, rigorous, and massive study examining the architecture of the stupa-a Buddhist symbolic form that is found throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia. The author, who trained as an architect, examines both the physical and metaphysical levels of these buildings. He notes that Buddhist history, ritual, mythology, and doctrine are incorporated into the symbolism of the stupa (meaning is inherent to an object in traditional Indian thought). He is particularly concerned with questions of methodology, since classical Indian thought (the author extends beyond Buddhist thought to examine Brahmanism) conceives of things as non-historical and atemporal. Includes beautifully reproduced black-and-white photographs.
Customer Reviews:
A hidden masterpiece!.......2000-07-10
The title of this book is deceptively simple. It is not just about the symbolism of the stupa, but it encompasses much, much more. It is a detailed and scholarly description of Buddhist iconography and its Vedantic antecedents. As such it covers much of the cosmological and philosophical underpinnings of Brahmin and Buddhist myths, ritual, art and sculpture. I think it is compulsory reading for anyone intending to visit Buddhist places of pilgrimage, for it gives meaning not just to the structure of the stupa, but to most, if not all, the various symbols and art forms found in such places. Through this book one comes to appreciate, how dense the stupa and the various symbols associated with it are, in meaning and significance. Unfortunately the book as published by Motilal Banarsidass in the hardcover edition, has poor quality paper and the typeface is that used by the good old Remington mechanical typewriters of yesteryear. The excellence of the work will however keep any Buddhologist riveted! Even if your interests are not as deep as what this book caters for, it is still something you can dip in and out of, and still be richer for!
Book Description
Feng Shui (fung schway) originated in ancient China, as farmers sought to survive through finding harmony with nature, but in recent years it has moved to the West and entered the mainstream of the modern design world. Internationally renowned interior designers, architects, and landscapers are adopting feng shui precepts in their work, and stories abound of the remarkable, positive impact feng shui has had on people's lives. This informed and informative book offers a clear understanding of the historical roots of feng shui, its fundamental principles, and shows how they can be used practically today. With photographs of both classic and modern examples of feng shui in practice, Feng Shui Design offers inspiration and down-to-earth ideas for anyone to follow in considering home, garden, or office designs. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs, drawings, charts, plans, and original calligraphy by Master Lin Yun, Feng Shui Design will be required reading for designers, architects, and anyone wanting to explore this ancient art.
Customer Reviews:
wonderful.......2001-10-03
This book is made for anyone to understand. Through great pictures and words, it starts you off on the world of Feng Shui. The authors adhere to the modern branch of feng shui, which is great... how else can we know what to do with our computer and tv? great book! We painted out new business yellow inside to promote calm, and greens outside to promote growth. It's in the book.
Most authoritative book on Feng Shui ever!.......1998-09-20
Not only is this book very informative on the timely subject of Feng Shui, it is also beautifully illustrated. A must for your library!
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- A Neat and Concise Work
- Joe Cummings and Great Photography
- a must for Asian art lovers
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Buddhist Stupas in Asia: The Shape of Perfection (Lonely Planet Pictorial)
Joe Cummings
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
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Binding: Hardcover
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Buddhist Art and Architecture (World of Art)
ASIN: 1864501200 |
Amazon.com
When the Buddha was dying, he instructed his followers to cremate his body and enclose his remains inside four separate monuments or "stupa-mounds." These manmade "axial mountains" became the prototype for the monuments that are so beautifully presented in Joe Cummings's Buddhist Stupas in Asia. Each spread features full-color illustrations or photographs, depicting the varying shapes, designs, and scale of this holy architecture. "People in all the different cultures that have discovered Buddhism seem to have gone crazy with joy, building stupas by the millions," writes Cummings, whose other Lonely Planet titles cover Thailand and Bangkok. "[They are] more than funeral reliquaries. They are memorials, rather, to the immanent possibility of freedom from suffering for all beings." Ten pages of transparent architectural overlays explain how the sacred meets function. This is entertaining learning at its best--a book that's loaded with knowledge, yet packaged with visual appeal. - -Gail Hudson
Book Description
Transcending architecture and archaeology, the stupa is the living embodiment of Buddhist teachings - a harmonising of the physical with the spiritual. It remains one of the oldest and most persistent religious symbols still in everyday use. This beautifully illustrated, full-colour hardback explores the spread of stupa building across India and Asia, encapsulating the lasting appeal and allure of stupas to travellers, scholars and those interested in architecture and religion. Buddhist Stupas in Asia: The Shape of Perfection is a lavish exploration of this religious and architectural icon of Asia and India.
- more than 250 beautiful photographs
- ten pages of transparent architectural overlays depicting plans and elevations of major stupas
- exhaustive coverage of 13 countries: India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Java, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, Korea and Vietnam
- learned and authoritative narration to explain the symbolism, rituals and mystic power associated with these monuments, great and small
- detailed investigations of the world's most significant Buddhist sites, from Angkor in Cambodia to Borobudur in Java, the largest Buddhist monument in the world
Customer Reviews:
A Neat and Concise Work.......2002-10-06
Buddhist Stupas in Asia: The Shape of Perfection by Bill Wassman (Photographer), et al, offers a sweeping and broad overview of the epitome of Asian Buddhist architecture. The photographs are good and the succinct commentary is informative enough. This is not a book for hardcore history buffs though, as the very short accompanying analysis would not suffice; nevertheless, in most cases the photographs more than compensate by offering quality glimpses of a divine form of architecture. One drawback: some of the photographs are too small for the subject to be really appreciated (some are as small as approx. 3cm x 3cm!). All in all: an enjoyable mind-trip through the very essence of Buddhist architecture.
Joe Cummings and Great Photography.......2002-01-04
This book covers Buddhist architecture across its known history, from its origins in Northern India through Southeast Asia to Indonesia, to Nepal and Tibet, into China, Korea, Japan and Vietnam. The emphasis is clearly on architecture, but it covers the relevant backgrounds in Buddhist art and philosophy as well. If you want a book about Buddhist cultures or thought, this is not it. But if you want a book about Buddhist architecture, this is a great beginning. It is well-written, well-designed, and the photography is excellent. I wish it were much longer and went into much greater depth... but then it would be much more expensive!
I received this book as a surprise gift, and I think it makes a great gift: it's the kind of thing someone would want and enjoy, but would not buy for themselves.
The author, Joe Cummings, also writes the Lonely Planet guidebooks for Laos, Thailand and Myanmar (Burma), and they are excellent. I've been to all three places, and so I've seen many of the stupas covered in this book, and his guides have helped me more than most do.
a must for Asian art lovers.......2001-10-18
When I opened this book in the bookstore, I was knocked out by the photos, which cover stupas all the way from Taxila, Pakistan, to Tokyo, Japan. The stupa photography is particularly strong in the chapters on India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Nepal and Tibet. An entire chapter is devoted to Borobudur and satellite stupas in central Java.
Dipping into the text at home, I was pleasantly surprised by how authoritative and complete the coverage of this complex topic was. Not only does the author do an excellent job of explaining the symbolism of stupas in various Buddhist cultures, he also links it to the history of Buddhism throughout Asia, no small task. Although I'm a longtime amateur student of Buddhism and Asian art history myself, I found much new material to ponder.
I was most impressed by the way Mr Cummings has carried out original research as well as reporting on the research of other scholars who came before him. This is something I didn't expect from a hardcover pictorial such as this. Kudos to Lonely Planet for publishing a seriously good book.
Book Description
Behind Tibet's Potala Palace--seat of the Dalai Lamas since 1649--lies a sacred pond said to be inhabited by serpentlike deities called Lu. There, on a willow-covered island in the middle of the lake, is a pagoda-roofed Khang, or temple. During the brief reign of the Sixth Dalai Lama, who built the temple in the eighteenth century, unknown artists created a series of mysterious paintings on the walls of the temple's private chapel. Comparable in quality and ambition to the Sistine Chapel in Rome, these masterpieces of Tibetan art are reproduced for the first time in this extraordinary publication. The chapel was reserved exclusively for the Dalai Lamas as a place of meditation and spiritual retreat. For centuries the Lukhang murals, which illustrate the path to spiritual liberation, guided the Dalai Lamas in a form of mystical contemplation called Dzogchen--the most secret practice in Tibet's Tantric tradition. Beyond their Tibetan origins, the murals display a universal spiritual vision. Merely to contemplate them, Tibetans believe, can open the mind to timeless spiritual truth. At the heart of this book are more than 150 color photographs of the murals and their temple, taken in the most difficult conditions by the American explorer-photographer Thomas Laird. Ian Baker's text, which places these remarkable works within their historical and cultural perspective, is augmented by accounts from other Tibetan sources. A special feature of the book is an introduction and quotations by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet, as well as additional drawings from Buddhist texts. This treasure of Tibetan Buddhist spirituality is presented in a magnificent large-format edition. The vivid detail, rich color, and awe-inspiring impact of this path to spiritual liberation can at last be experienced outside the Lukhang chapel. Introduction by Tenzin Gyatso, the Fourteenth Dalai Lama of Tibet.
200 illustrations, 151 in color.
Customer Reviews:
Gorgeous book.......2006-11-09
A really beautiful book: pictures are magnificents, thanks to the anonymous ancient painter and to the modern photographer, with many pictures of the details of the paintings. But the book is worthy not only to see. The first chapter tells a short but interesting history of the temple and of the Dalai Lamas, and at the beginning of each of the three main sections (as there are three walls painted in the temple, corresponding to the three pillars of Dzogchen teaching: base, path and fruit) a short but careful explanation of the principles of Dzogchen, in connection with the painted teachings of the secret temple. I do loved this book, and reccomend it to anyone interested in Dzogchen and Tibetan culture and Buddhism.
Impressions of Esoteric Buddhist Art.......2002-11-10
In addition to being a meticulously executed illustrated art book, The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet by Ian A. Baker, et al. guides the reader through some lesser known biographical details of Tibet's greatest Dalai Lamas and of the history of Tibetan Buddhist culture as a whole. The amazing drawings, many of which painted in an almost feverish surrealistic style, are accompanied by insights into the lore of the Dalai Lamas, with thoughtful excerpts from their writings. I am also much obliged as a book shopper to show my appreciation to the book's publisher, Thames & Hudson, for the excellent printing quality and overall layout and binding of this book, details which for me always work to enhance the message of a book and to demonstrate the seriousness and loving care with which the authors themselves have treated their creation.
beautifully captured.......2001-06-03
The Dala Lama's Secret Temple is a wonderful and insightful look into one of the most spectacular temples in Lhasa. Having just visited the Lukhang, I had the pleasure to personally view the murals. Many of which are unique to Tibetan paintings. And still very preserved. Better than I could have photographed myself, this book presents each of the walls paintings in the highest quality plates. Descriptions of the historical significance of the temple mirror the detail works of the painting. A nice addition to a library of Tibetan Art and Buddhism.
A must-read book for Tibetan Buddhist.......2001-01-06
This book is highly recommended for anyone who are interested in tibetan buddhism. The tantric wall paintings in this book are breath-taking, and also very informative. It is like a illustrative guide to the pathway of great perfection. A must-read book!!
A must-read book for Tibetan Buddhist.......2001-01-06
This book is highly recommended for anyone who are interested in tibetan buddhism. The tantric wall paintings in this book are breath-taking, and also very informative. It is like a illustrative guide to the pathway of great perfection. A must-read book!!
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