The Buddhist Diaspora in North India Photography Exhibit in san diego

The Buddhist Diaspora in North India
Photography Exhibit by dominik huber ( dominikphoto )
Opening reception 6:30pm, April 16, 2012
Institute for Peace & Justice, 2nd floor, near Room 219
April 2 – April 30
In honor of the visit of the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, to the University of San Diego, this special exhibition of photography gives articulation to the landscape of a people His Holiness has spent a lifetime serving. Collected from over two years of travels in north and north-east India, these select photographs offer a panoramic view of Buddhist pilgrims and architecture from Bihar and Sikkim. The images provide a visual entry into appreciating faith’s role in the shaping of space and community for Buddhists in the diaspora.

Known as the Buddhist “capital” of the world, Bodhgaya is an important destination for pilgrims who come from distant locations to visit the hallowed site of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment and to worship at the sacred Mahabodhi temple (recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002). Look for the temple in two images here, and for Buddha’s footprint on stone.

The small and secluded geography of Sikkim makes logical its equation with mythical accounts of a Himalayan utopia known as shangri-la, paradise on earth. Today, it exemplifies India’s cultural diversity and religious tolerance by its graceful hybridization of Buddhism and Hinduism. Well over three hundred years ago, the famous Pemayangtse monastery (Sublime Lotus) in Pelling, featured here, was built for monks of Tibetan descent.

The photographer would like to thank and recognize those whose enthusiasm and generosity made this exhibition possible. These include: Chris Nayve (CSL) for believing in the project, Allen Wynar (Media Services) for help with printing and production, Mary Whelan and Andrea Cutlip (University Design) whose ingenuity and swiftness found a space for these pictures, and Carmen for her humor and professionalism during the installation itself.

Event sponsored jointly by the Offices of Community Service-Learning and the Vice Provost. Comments and enquiries can addressed to Dr. Atreyee Phukan (English) at phukana@sandiego.edu.

link to images: http://dominikphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery/the-Buddhist-Diaspora-in-india/G0000nuNB7LB.zUg/

by Dominik at 2012-04-14 01:01:44 UTC | Bookmark | | Report spam→