Buddhism: origins, traditions and contemporary life

Abstract

Featuring rare treasures from the British Library?s collection, including colourful scrolls, unique cosmologies, lavishly painted manuscripts and temple banners, and bejewelled books spanning 2,000 years and 20 countries, this exhibition catalogue highlights the outstanding aesthetic beauty of Buddhist manuscripts and printed works in the largest display of its kind ever held at the Library. 0Through sacred scriptures written on tree bark, palm leaves, ivory and gold to exquisite silk scrolls of major Sutras, follow the life of Buddha and his many incarnations, and discover how Buddhism was pivotal in developing writing and printing techniques to transmit stories and ideas across Asia. 0Contemporary art, calming ambient film and audio, and ritual objects provide a window onto everyday life in Buddhist communities, allowing you to understand current customs and beliefs, gain insight into meditative practices and the Buddhist concepts of compassion and loving-kindness, and even experience the feeling of stepping into a monastic library.00Exhibition: The British Library, London, UK (25.10.2019-23.02.2020).