Buddhist Art from the Roof of the World

December 14, 2016–May 7, 2017

Ninth Karmapa, Wangchug Dorje (detail), Tibet, 18th century; mineral pigments and gold on cotton; 19 ½ x 13 in.; on long-term loan to BAMPFA from a private collection.

Upcoming
Films
Upcoming
Events
Selected
Objects
Past
Films
Past
Events

Past Events

Selected Saturdays, 1 PM
The Great Transmission

Screening weekly in Theater Two, this award-winning documentary is the story of Tibetan refugee lama Tarthang Tulku and his efforts to preserve the sacred texts of his tradition.

BAMPFA

Buddhist Art from the Roof of the World

Transmission of the Dharma

December 14, 2016–May 7, 2017

The Tantric form of Buddhism prevalent throughout the Himalayan region is an esoteric practice that places great importance on the relationship between a teacher, often a high level monk, and the adherent, or devotee. An example of the highest level of teacher is Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, who in the sixth century BCE taught the dharma, or truth, that would lead to complete understanding and freedom known as enlightenment.

Great monks throughout history are regarded as reincarnations of deities and perform the duties of teachers both through example and direct instruction. Drom Tonpa, recognized as the first Dalai Lama, was the disciple of Atisha, the Indian master who brought essential teachings of Buddhism to Tibet in the mid-eleventh century. Both men are represented in this exhibition, one in paint, the other in gilt bronze.

Teachers of the Geluk sect and their lineage, represented in a set of seven...

Teachers of the Geluk sect and their lineage, represented in a set of seven paintings, helped establish schools of thought that became codified, and eventually gained political importance. The Fifth Dalai Lama, who constructed the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet, is seen in this exhibition in a sumptuously embroidered thangka surrounded by the Eight Auspicious Emblems, a work that may have come from an Imperial workshop.

Three of the revered teachers of the Karma Kagyu sect, whose honorary title is Karmapa, are represented in individual thangkas showing their lineage and, in some instances, the hand and footprints of the individual. These rare works shed light on the esteemed value placed on the teacher within Tibetan Buddhist tradition.

Less

Buddhist Art from the Roof of the World: Transmission of the Dharma is organized by Senior Curator for Asian Art Julia M White. All works on extended loan to BAMPFA from a private collection.

Buddhist Art from the Roof of the World

December 14, 2016–May 7, 2017

Selected Exhibition Objects

Painting

Thangka of the Fifth Karmapa, Deshin Shegpa, meeting Emperor Yongle

Unknown

Painting

Footprints of the Third Karmapa, Rangjung Dorje

Unknown (Tibet)

Painting

Milarepa

Unknown (Tibet)

Sculpture

The Great Departure

Gandhara) Unknown (India

Sculpture

Shakyamuni Buddha

Unknown (Tibet)

Sculpture

Figure of Mahasiddha Avadhutipa

Unknown (Tibet)

Sculpture

Atisha

Unknown (Tibet)

Sculpture

Figure of Maitreya

Unknown (Mongolia)

Past Events

The Great Transmission