The exhibition presents Buddhist-rooted art primarily from Nepal and China.
Made of metal and wood, the statues and painted images of the Buddha (Tibetan tanka) are characterised by a beauty of workmanship that can be admired on an aesthetic level. At the same time, they embody a symbolism that goes beyond purely artistic expression. Indeed, Buddhist art is deeply connected to the teachings on the nature of mind and meditative methods. Practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism use the method of identifying with different aspects of the Buddhas, with the understanding that these are symbolic representations of the properties of one's own mind. Meditating on these forms is like looking into a mirror and recognising oneself there.
The exhibition is arranged according to the form of the refuge tree, which in Tibetan Buddhism represents enlightenment through the richness of aspects of the mind. Visitors can admire representations of the Buddha, representing the enlightened state of mind, the Dharma or Buddhist teachings, and the Sangha or community of practitioners.
Images of the Lama, or teacher, are displayed in the centre of the exhibition, while in front of him are the Yidamas, who represent the meditative aspects, and the Guardians, who embody the activity of removing obstacles to Buddhist practice. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the process of filling the statues during which the artistic objects become living representations of the Buddhas.
The exhibits come from the collection of the National Museum in Szczecin and from private collections.
The exhibition can be visited from May 17th to June 4th at the National Museum in Szczecin, at Wały Chrobrego (conference room). On Saturday, May 27th, at 3.00 P.M. we also invite you to a lecture by a Buddhist teacher entitled "Buddhism in the modern world".
The exhibition is a part of the 2nd West-Pomeranian Festival of Buddhist Culture.