Resources

Jatayus, the heroic king of the vultures, attempts to prevent Ravana from abducting Sita, from the Ramayana (Story of Rama), approx. 400–500. India; probably Uttar Pradesh state. Terra-cotta. Gift of the Connoisseurs’ Council, 1988.40.

Jatayus (Jatayu), king of the vultures and aide to Rama, approx. 1970. Indonesia; Cirebon, West Java. Wood, cloth, and mixed media. From the Mimi and John Herbert Collection, F2000.86.49.

Learn about Japan’s refined form of floral arrangement, known as ikebana (“to arrange and give life to flowers”).

Illustrations of Buddhist texts and ritual formulas (Rashmivimla-vishuddhiprabhasa-dharani-sutra) (Mugujeonggwang Daedarani), 2001, by Dong-uArtist: Myeongcheon. Korea. Handscroll; sutra, gold on paper. Gift of Dong-u seunim, 2002.12.2.

Students will: 1.) Identify the format and elements of a sutra. 2.) Examine why sutras (the teachings of the Buddha) are important historical and religious documents. 3.) Analyze why the writing of sutras is considered an important religious act. 4.) Construct and illustrate an accordion book manuscript based on the sutra format used during the Goryeo dynasty (Korea).

Hailed as one of the most important photographers of our time, New York-based Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto is also an accomplished architect. He approaches his work from many different perspectives, with architecture as one component in designing the settings for his installations. As a photographer of the highest technical ability, with equal acclaim for the conceptual and philosophical aspects of his work, Sugimoto has created works in his “Five Elements” series that are constructed as shrines to a primordial birthplace. Using geometric symbols from thirteenth-century Buddhism, Sugimoto encases a single image from his iconic Seascape series in each glass structure.

Learn about Hinduism in Bali.

Religion pervades many aspects of Hindu life, and religious observance is not limited to one location, time of day, or use of a particular text. It assumes many forms: in the home, at the temple, on a pilgrimage, through yogic practices, dance or music, at the roadside, by the river, through the observation of one’s social duties and so on. Learn more.

Hindu temples are numerous in form, and probably evolved from a variety of sources, including the worship of natural sites, mounds, trees, due to the need for a place to conduct ritual practices and house images of deities. Learn more.

Guardian king of the west (Gwangmok cheonwang), 2002-2003, by Jae-u (Korean, born 1966). Ink and mineral colors on cotton. Gift of Jae-u, 2004.10.