, Research Paper
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has one of the finest Asian art collections that has enlightened and strengthened my understanding in my personal art experience. The Museum itself is an artistic architectural structure that graces the entire block on 82nd Street in Manhattan. Entering inside, I sensed myself going back into an era, into a past where people traded ideas and learned from each other. It is a past, where I still find their works of yesteryears vividly within my grasp, to be remembered and shared as if their reflections of works were cast for the modern devoted learner.
Walking into the Hall of the Buddhas, there was a sense of peace and guidance lingering inside me. The seated Bodhisattva, of the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534), CA.480, from the Yungang, Cave xv, Shani Province, made of sandstone, guarded the entrance. At first, I thought it was a time to be disciplined, but the transcending smile from the statue was a delicate fixed gesture that offered a feeling of welcome. It was not a place to confess your wrongdoings; neither was it a place for me to say, ?Buddha I have sinned.? It was a room to purify the mind, the mind that we take for granted without giving it harmony. There was a large mural decorating the main wall called ?The Paradise of Bhaishajyaguru?(916-1125). I sat down wandering if the artist of the portrait knew that his work would one day be shared on this side of the world, in my time. Much like Jesus Christ and his followers, the mural is a painting of healers and saviors. It was a large figure of the Buddha of medicine, (Bhaishajyaquru) surrounded by followers of Bodhisattvas, Avalokiteshvara, and Mahosthamaprapta with twelve guardian generals who have pledged to disseminate the Buddha?s teaching (Tradition of Liao 916-1125, Metropolitan Museum wall plaque).
On the other side, I noticed a standing statue called ?Quan Yin? that I have often encountered. It was an Avalokiteshvara from the Sui dynasty (581-618) made of limestone (Metropolitan Museum Plaque). Unlike the Quan Yin statue at home or any of the ones I have seen, it was difficult to pinpoint the gender of this Saint. I often hear people ask if ?Quan Yin? was really a female, but throughout my learning experience it was mainly worshipped by women and given the status as female. Perhaps, like Red Azalea by Anchee Min, ?Quan Yin? was transformed into a female goddess to promote a heroine, a heroine in Asia.
As I left, I felt a sense of piety, a piety that I must visit again and again. The Hall of Buddhas gave me a sense of peace: a thought of quietness to gather myself, a peace that I have long forgotten or not shared.
The next corridor was an exhibit of ceramics of everyday life in the Neolithic period of the Majlayao culture (Machong phase, CA 2300-2000BC Metropolitan Museum plaque). The pottery of this period expresses similarities in the color and shapes to the art found amongst the indigenous cultures elsewhere in the world. On the side was another room with two guardian lions (6th dynasty 220-589). Lion statues were status symbols for great dwellings that were placed outside of main entranceways to promote good and to stop evil from entering in (Feng Shui, Lam 38). In the room at the Museum they guard lacquer images and woodcarvings of Buddhas. Buddha images executed in dry lacquer were highly valued by the Chinese because of the costly time-consuming process required to produce them (Metropolitan Museum wall-plaque). Possibly the lions do serve a purpose here: to prevent any evil beings from entering a room filled with prized lacquer Buddhas.
The Han dynasty (25-220 CE) exhibit outside in the corridor demonstrated remarkable uniformity. Common pottery such as models of houses and farm structures, were created as funerary objects for burials. The Han period has deeply shaped and cast its roots in contemporary burial rituals. Today, instead of objects made of pottery or metal, paper creations of these model objects are burned for the loved ones to help them settle into their new world during burials.
The next exhibit is a dynasty that the Chinese culture takes great pride in. The Tang dynasty (618-907) was the pinnacle period for the Chinese culture to celebrate courtship with peace and tranquility. It was a period called ?The Great Flowering of the Arts,? a time expressed in the earthenware of different colors and figurines. During this period, trade brought foreign influences that caught great changes in the making and decorating of gold and silver. The Tang period also showed that animals are an integral part of humans, the set of twelve calendrical animals placed on human heads played a significant role in the direction of a person (Metropolitan Museum Plaque). Very similar to the immortal animal/ human God worshipped by the Egyptian Pharaohs by appearance, the twelve animals represent certain powers given to a person when he or she is born under a particular sign.
I entered the Japanese corridor in a room filled with dimmed lighting and dark statues. Stillness came upon me, as I gazed around hoping to find someone else. Being unsuccessful, I recalled the book, Learning to Bow by Bruce Feiler, and the fact that there is always another side to the smooth functioning in the Japanese society. I tried to decode the question in my mind, ?Why is it so dark?? Then as I slowly looked up, I realized the power within the Buddha?s eyes. This was a power that had taken me by surprise; a power of being afraid and a feeling of being disciplined came into play. It was a power that transmitted signals to me that I would not dare think about anything sinful or evil. The power reflected a balance perhaps between public and private lives, a balance between ?hone? and ?tatamae? that shapes the Japanese understandings of life. The Buddha?s eyes evoked an inner feeling that one must know that he or she did something terribly wrong to be here. Exiting quickly, I entered the Noguchi fountain; it was a place for gathering calm peaceful thoughts with the elements of nature. The fountain represents life. As water begins its journey out, it is in equilibrium with the world. The flow of water molds itself to the structures it comes to encounter. It flows and does not know how to stop; it is full of life that one cannot hear or see. Its calm forces give balance when it is needed and it profoundly creates disasters when no one can predict it. I listened to the dripping of tingling water at the bottom; however, it is not the end, only a beginning of tranquility, and a beginning of life that recycles endlessly in the Noguchi fountain.
The South and Southeast Asian collections are traces of Hindu and Buddhist culture. The migration of Buddhism in Pakistan in the first, second, third, and fourth century showed that the Kushan culture worshipped a more European image of Buddha and Bodhisattvas (Metropolitan Museum wall plaque), while Indonesia, Cambodia, and Thailand had images relatively very similar to India?s. The stylistic characters of images of Buddhism throughout different cultures are changed into the features of the people in that culture. A Thai Buddha resembles more the features of the Thai people, and a Pakistan Buddha exhibits resemble more European features with round big eyes and curly hair. If one could only perceive what Buddha really looked like! Perhaps, the saying, ?Where could one find Buddha? Was answered, ?Buddha is within thy self,?(Buddhist movie, 1997 UEE.) is because of these feature changes.
The Metropolitan Museum visit was an experience that gave me a better understanding on Asian world cultures. What interested me the most was the ?Hall of Buddhas.? In this room I found myself trying to connect to peace and the welcome that was past due in my life. Shutting my eyes gave me a sense of being safe in a sanctuary with the guardians: Buddhas, Quan Yin, and seated Bodhisattvas statues being so near. From the Sui dynasty (581-618), the ?Quan Yin? statue reminded me of the readings in class about Red Azalea. I have always thought that this was a female saint; however, after seeing and observing it, maybe I?m wrong. Another place in the museum that evoked my feelings was the Japanese collection. The Japanese Buddhas were mentally more lifelike, because of the details of the color in the eyes. One could mistake some of them for demons and evil beings. However, they are all doers of good for mankind. The Japanese exhibit felt like a place of court where people came in to be cleansed, forgiven and punished after their evil deeds. Overall, my learning experience has taken me to a higher level of understanding that diversity within the same beliefs in Buddhism are mainly different by the way they migrated and the way Buddha is represented in the features and looks in another culture. However, whatever the culture might be, the teachings of Buddha are all shared and learned the same way:
?To do no evil.?
?To cultivate all good.?
?To purify the mind.?
?And this is the teaching of the Buddha.?
(Shakyamuni Buddha, Grace Gratitude Buddhist temple, wallet card
Другие работы по теме:
How To Play Basketball Essay Research Paper
Plant Collection While the animal collection is often considered to be the Zoo’s major attraction, the botanical gardens should not be overlooked. The Columbus Zoo has more than 800 species of plants placed around the grounds to enhance exhibits and walkways. The botanical collecton, valued at more than $3 million, is the largest living collection at the Columbus Zoo.
The Pigman Essay Research Paper The PigmanThe
The Pigman Essay, Research Paper The Pigman The topic I chose to write about is lonely. Many characters in The Pigman are lonely. Some of the characters in the story that are lonely are
Persuasive Essay Gotham
’s City Cemetery Essay, Research Paper Constructing a cemetery is very useful for many reasons. People in Gotham City should construct a cemetery instead of a monument because people will use it, people will visit it and people will remember it. People in Gotham City need a cemetery than a monument. A cemetery will bring people happier.
Commercials Essay Research Paper In every young
Commercials Essay, Research Paper In every young person life there are certain critical decisions that must be made. One of the more important of the many is the choice to resume education after high school. After that decision is made the choice of which college to go to comes into play. In making this decision you must first do research on schools that interest you, you must visit these campuses, and last you must apply to the schools of your choice.
JS Bach Essay Research Paper Johann Sebastian 2
J.S Bach Essay, Research Paper Johann Sebastian Bach Born: March 21, 1685 Died: July 28, 1750 Birthplace: Eisanach, Germany Age at Death: 65 Biography Born at Eisenach, in Thuringia, he came of a distinguishedmusical family. At 15 he became a chorister at Luneburg and at 19organist at Arnstadt. Subsequent appointments included positionsat the courts of Weimar and Anhalt-Kother, and finally in 1723,that of musical director at St Thomas’s choir school in Leipzig,where, apart from his brief visit to the court of Frederick theGreat of Prussia in 1747, he remained there until his death.Bach married twice and had 21 children, ten of whom died ininfancy.
My Trip Essay Research Paper The role
My Trip Essay, Research Paper The role of the visit to Pemberley by Elizabeth and the Gardiners would most closely resemble a modern visit to a museum or a tourist attraction.
Dali Museum Visit Essay Research Paper Dali
Dali Museum Visit Essay, Research Paper Dali is an outstanding figure in art history, therefore I am greatly affected by numerous critiques of his works. It was hard to throw away read material and to look at his work with a ‘fresh eye’.
One Place Essay Research Paper IF I
One Place Essay, Research Paper IF I COULD VISIT ONE PLACE IN THE WORLD I WOULD GO TO THE GREAT PYRAMIDS OF EGYPT. THE PYRAMIDS AMAZE ME THE WAY THEY WERE BUILT. THE WAY THE EGYPTIANS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED
A School Visit Essay Research Paper A
A School Visit Essay, Research Paper A School Visit Are you interested in motorcycles? How about a woman who is not only a policewoman, but knows how to ride and use a motorcycle that goes up to 100 miles per
Questions Of 28 Kisses Essay Research Paper
Some Questions for 28 Kisses tackled the issues of the portrayal of Asian women in the media, their neglect of Asian men, and the topic of interracial dating. From the 28 films he finds, each includes a Caucasian male with an Asian female, each acting in a romantic fashion. These films depict Asian females in stereotypically exotic roles such as sultry masseuses and as seductive slaves.
Curtis Chang Essay Essay Research Paper Curtis
Curtis Chang Essay Essay, Research Paper Curtis Chang EssayCurtis Chang s essay was so effective it made me look at ethnic minorities differently. Ethnic minorities are not anymore issues that everybody seems to ignore, they are now groups with success. The achievement of this ethnic minority shows how they are able to achieve the American dream.
Sleepless In Seattle Essay Research Paper It
Sleepless In Seattle Essay, Research Paper It is difficult to say at times, what exactly makes a movie great. I have found that the good movies are felt as you are leaving the theater. The audience should be able to feel and belive, to some degree. When exiting a movie, I hope that I feel this way. Today, paying large sums of money for each visit to the theater is tough to keep up.
Journeys Journey Essay Research Paper A Lifetime
Journeys Journey Essay, Research Paper A Lifetime of Journeys Journey is an important theme found in Asian American works. Although journey, by travel from one place to another is a common form of
The City In Which I Love You
Essay, Research Paper The City in Which I Love You By Li-Young Lee For a New Citizen of These United States Asian American Poetry Poetry is an author s tool to produce written work in order to express themselves and evoke emotions and feelings they have. Poetry comes in many different forms and from much different type of authors.
East Asia Crisis Essay Research Paper A
East Asia Crisis Essay, Research Paper A large economic downturn in East Asia threatens to end its nearly 30 year run of high growth rates. The crisis has caused Asian currencies to fall
Collection Essay Research Paper COLLECTION SPEECHI ATTENTION
Collection Essay, Research Paper COLLECTION SPEECH I. ATTENTION GETTER Wait until you see what I did this summer! (Uncover collages) About a year ago, I started collecting magazines. After reading them and seeing all of the neat clippings that were in them, I began to cut them out. Soon, I had so many clippings, that I started pasting them together to form collages.
Asian Exclusion Laws Essay Research Paper There
Asian Exclusion Laws Essay, Research Paper There were a very large number of local, state, and federal laws that were specifically aimed at disrupting the flow of Chinese and Japanese immigrants to the United States. Two of the major laws were the 1882 Chinese Exclusion Act and the 1907-1908 Gentleman s Agreement.
Angel City Essay Research Paper Angel
Angel City Essay, Research Paper ? Angel City? The most unique, magnificent, and extraordinary city that I would love to visit is the ?City of Angles?. Tucked away in the midst of our atmosphere, lies the beauty of having everlasting life, and dreams that come true. Baby- blue skies, and cotton candy clouds fills this entire city.
A Large Collection Essay Research Paper A
A Large Collection Essay, Research Paper A Large Collection Today, many people have become attached to popular music, because it can easily stimulate their curiosity. In addition, many people buy popular music because it is popular not because it has artistic value. However, in my music compact disc collection, I have mostly underground music that many people do not know about or like, such as heavy metal and jazz.
American Education System VS Asian Education System
Essay, Research Paper American Education system versus Asian Education System Today the American education system is no longer the best in the world. With declining test scores and poor academic achievement, people have questioned whether our current educational system is working for us? On the other side of the Pacific, the situation is totally different.
Asian Economic Crisis Essay Research Paper For
Asian Economic Crisis Essay, Research Paper For the last few decades, Asia had been the world’s economic miracle, achieving remarkable rates of growth and building high-quality manufacturing industries in just about anything and everything. However, since the struggle with collapsing currencies and plunging stock markets beginning in 1995, the Asian Economy has become weak.
Asian Americans As Model Minorities Essay Research
Paper Asian Americans as Model Minorities For 20 years, Asian Americans have been portrayed by the press and the media as a successful minority. Asian Americans are believed to benefit from astounding achievements in education, rising occupational statuses, increasing income, and are problem-fee in mental health and crime.
Asian American Literature Essay Research Paper Asian
Asian American Literature Essay, Research Paper Asian Americans seem to be fighting an unwinnable battle when it comes to the content of their writing. Writers are criticized by whites for speaking out against discrimination, and by their fellow Asian Americans for contributing to the stereotypes through their silence.
Asian Theatre Essay Research Paper Asian theatre
Asian Theatre Essay, Research Paper Asian theatre is comprised of more than one geographic area. It consists of India, China and Japan. Each brought their own uniqueness to Asian theatre. Asian theatre as it pertains to China will be discussed in this chapter. Ancient Chinese chronicles mention other theatrical activities such as skits, pantomimes, juggling, singing and dancing.
Asian Superiority Essay Research Paper Maria E
Asian Superiority Essay, Research Paper Maria E Welbourne Eng.2 J.Corcoran The Celebration of Asian Americans has Obscured Reality Ronald Takaki vocalizes in his article that ?The Harmful Myth of Asian Superiority?is not to assume that all Asian Americans are indeed successful, so it?s incorrect to generalize any particular race as superior over another.
Past Essay Research Paper Michelle Brandon My
Past Essay, Research Paper Michelle Brandon My Past: I was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1983 then in 1985 I moved to Germany. I stayed in Germany for 3 years then I moved to calgary for 2 years. Cakgary is a nice place to live it s a big city compared to Germany. Germany is a beautiful place to go, I would like to go back to Germany for a visit.
Asian Economic And Financial Crisis Essay Research
Paper Asian Crisis The crisis began in Thailand in July 1997 and spread to Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia, then to Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Financial systems in Thailand, Korea and Japan all came under intense strain, but nowhere as destructively as in Indonesia, which by early 1998 had become the worst-affected victim.
Asian Essay Research Paper After nearly thirty
Asian Essay, Research Paper After nearly thirty years of great economic growth many Asian countries are in recession due to many bad business decisions. The Asian financial crisis caused the value of Asian currency fall 50-60 percent, stock markets to decline by 40 percent, property values to drop, and banks to close.
Asian Crisis Essay Research Paper The continuing
Asian Crisis Essay, Research Paper The continuing Asian economic crisis that began in mid-1997 ranks as Asia’s second biggest event since World War II. The crisis suddenly halted the region’s unprecedented three decades of rapid economic growth.
Asian Crisis Essay Research Paper Asian Crisis
Asian Crisis Essay, Research Paper Asian Crisis The financial crisis that erupted in Asia in mid-1997 has led to sharp declines in the currencies, stock markets, and other asset prices of a number of Asian countries. It is hard to understand what these declines will actually do to the world market. This decline is expected to halve the rate of world growth in 1998 from the four percent that was projected pre-crisis to an estimated outcome of about 2 percent.
Florida Aquarium Essay Research Paper Florida AquariumOn
Florida Aquarium Essay, Research Paper Florida Aquarium On February 2, 2001, I had the unique opportunity the to visit the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. I was so impressed with the extensive collection and information that I plan to visit the aquarium again very soon.