The compassionate Bodhisattva : unique Southeast Asian images of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara / Sofia Sundström.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sundström, Sofia, author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Avalokiteśvara (Buddhist deity).

Avalokiteśvara.

Buddhist gods.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (106 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Leiden : Sidestone Press, [2020]

Summary:

Southeast Asia has a long history with Buddhism that continues to the present day. Centuries ago, Buddhism spread to various areas of Southeast Asia, where some of the greatest Buddhist images and monuments were produced over 1,000 years ago. These include the majestic Borobudur in Central Java and Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Images of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara in bronze were also produced in large numbers at this time.This book deals with images of Avalokiteśvara that are unique to specific countries of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. It introduces a wider audience to the beauty and originality of Southeast Asian art. The text focuses on specific forms of Avalokiteśvara images found in the different regions of Southeast Asia, illustrating the local developments of Buddhist art. This includes an exploration of both iconography and style, but will also highlight the continuous desire of the artists to portray the compassion for which Avalokiteśvara is known. Even in today's modern world, the idea of compassion becomes ever more vital and the Bodhisattva remains popular among all Buddhists. This book would be a source of knowledge, but perhaps most importantly, fantastical and beautiful images that in themselves are a comfort as they radiate the quality of Avalokiteśvara: compassion.

Contents:

Intro

Introduction

Compassion and Buddhist texts

Avalokiteśvara images in Southeast Asia

Vietnam - a unique fashion style

Malaysia - Avalokiteśvara with the unfailing noose

Sumatra - the golden Avalokiteśvaras

Borneo - the Sambas hoard

The Sambas hoard and Buddhist texts

Why would someone bury images?

Java - the sorrowful Avalokiteśvara

Thailand - Avalokiteśvaras of Prasat Muang Singh

The importance of images

Cambodia - the Radiant Avalokiteśvara

Conclusion

Who were the sponsors of these many Avalokiteśvara images?

Images and drawings

References and recommended reading

Blank Page

Blank Page.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references.

Description based on print version record.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

90-8890-619-X

OCLC:

1158548550