This is the first special exhibition to be held by the Museum of World Religions since it opened last year. It makes up in importance what it lacks, to the non-religious viewer, in quantity. Enormous effort has been put into contriving the show from articles in the permanent collection of the museum and from items donated for the show by the Dalai Lama.
This connection with the most important spokesman of Tibetan Buddhism and highly regarded international personality is likely to draw interest in excess of what the items themselves warrant, and many of the items need considerable explanation for their significance to be made clear. Fortunately, audio guides are available to supplement the less than adequate text explanations. The exhibition catalogue, also meticulously prepared, is an excellent primer for people making the first steps in understanding Tibetan Buddhism. Of the objects themselves, the massive statue of yamataka, a multiheaded, many armed monster embracing vajravetali, a childlike figure representing wisdom and mercy from the museum's permanent collection. This alone is worth the price of the admission. The incredible intricacy, the subtle mixtures of images of death and love, make it evocative as a work of art distinct from its significance within the metaphysics of esoteric Buddhism.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MUSEUM OF WORLD RELIGIONS
The collection of tankas, some of them heavily worn with age and use, and all the more beautiful for that, require greater application to appreciate. As pointed out by the curator of the show, Luo Chung-chan (羅中展), tankas of this quality are rare, and because of the organic dyes and real gold using in making them, their colors and luster have remained undiminished over the years.
Relating more directly to the Dalai Lama is the cudgel and bell used by the 14th Dalai Lama and thought by some of the faithful to have acquired some of his sacred aura, making these items more than just intricate works of art. Other aspects of the pomp and ceremony of Tibetan Buddhism are represented by objects such as the peacock umbrella used to shade the sacred person of the Dalai Lama and a replica of the Sea of Wisdom coach on which he holds court.
For those with the time and inclination, much benefit can be derived from a close study of the items on show. Those who prefer a more hands on approach can make rubbings and little sacred images in clay called "chachas." These processes, like the writing out of sutras are a way of creating blessings for this world, and provide a link between art and acts of faith.
It is unlikely that an exhibition of Tibetan Buddhist artifacts will pass through Taiwan again anytime soon and the trip out to Yungho is more than worthwhile to catch a glimpse of the actual artifacts used in a religion that through the popularity of the Dalai Lama, is gaining supporters all over the world.
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