Images of Enlightenment: Tibetan Art in Practice

Description

One of the most striking aspects of Tibetan Buddhism is its wealth of visual imagery. Ranging from the tranquility of a serenely poised meditator to the dynamic energy of apparently wrathful figures, this vivid and diverse imagery often leaves Western observers as puzzled as they are fascinated. Who are these figures and what do they mean? "Images of Enlightenment" answers the need for a clear and straight-forward guide to the inner world of Tibetan Buddhist sacred art. Focusing on some of its most important and representative images, this richly illustrated book introduces the reader to the tradition of spiritual self-transformation embodied by these depictions of enlightened energy through clear iconographic representations and descriptions.

Andy Weber spent seven years in India and Nepal studying the iconographic art of Tibetan Buddhism, and his work has appeared throughout the world in numerous exhibitions and Buddhist publications. He lives in London, England.

"What delight these two must have had collaborating on this interesting guide to the inner world of Tibetan Buddhist sacred art. Writer Landaw and artist Weber answer those questions many people ask: Who are the figures in those thangkas, and what do they represent? The thirty-two color plates, many of them painted by Weber, could safely be said to be broadly applicable to Tibetan Buddhist art as a whole. And Tibetan art is indeed a potent introduction to Tibetan Buddhism itself."-Mandala Magazine "A concise introduction to the fundamental points of tantric Buddhism as practiced in the Tibetan traditions."-The Mirror "A clear and straightforward guide to the inner world of this sacred art."-Napra Trade Journal "Besides the thirty-two full-color plates of images from Shakyamuni Buddha to Amitabha, there are also thirteen line drawings of arahats, great mahasiddhas, and pioneers of Tibetan Buddhism such as Tilopa, Atisha, and Tsongkhapa. The texts are well-written and describe the symbolic self-transformation and expressions of enlightenment depicted. . . . An excellent text for students, scholars, and practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism."-Eastern Horizon