The Circle of Bliss: Buddhist Meditational Art

Rating:
Summary: Studies from the Circle of Bliss
Review: I was unfortunate to miss the exhibition for which this book is a catalogue and a venue for presenting the previously obscure art of the Chakrasamvara tantras of Nepal to a wider audience.

In the absence of being at the exhibit, this catalogue reproduces all 157 objects to a high degree, enough for you to ascertain for yourself the ideas of the authors, and to appreciate the quality, beauty and devotion held by the artists and reflected within these works of art.

The authors had access to Nepalese tantric priests for help in explaining the meaning of some of the esoteric representations, allowing for an accurate description of much of the iconography contained within the artworks. At the same time, the authors don't transgress the secret nature of the practices as contained in the ritual ceremonies of Chakrasamvara or the oral lineage from Guru to disciple.

Excellent work to have conceived and organised an exhibition of this nature and to have exectuted to this extent.





Rating:
Summary: himalayan art at its best !
Review: This is really one of the few books that everyone seriously interested in himalayan art should not afford to miss. All the different aspects of the himalayan branch of the buddhistic religion / philosophy which have visual representation - from tangkas to statues, to any kind of ritual objects - are illustrated with exceptionally detailed, wonderful pictures, each supplemented by exhaustive descriptions. Entire chapters of the book introduce, and then guide, the reader to and through the meanders of a truly fascinating journey, which develops from peak to peak, from monastery to monastery in that magic world - suspended between land and sky - known as The Himalayas. This is one of those rare books with top class quality built in. Outstanding !