This class is being offered in conjunction with the exhibit at LACMA, “Realms of the Dharma”, on view through July 12th.
Starting with some basic questions: Who was the Buddha? What is Buddhism? We’ll then move on to the origins of Buddhist art in India and examine how Buddhism and the visual image of the Buddha adapted to new cultures as it was transmitted throughout Asia (the Himalayas, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, SE Asia). Objects on view at LACMA will be supplemented with objects, sculpture, painting and architecture from other museums and archaeological sites.
Finally, we may attempt to answer how Buddhist thought and practice are reflected in the art