1. Bodhisattva

The Asian wing at the Philadelphia Museum of Art contains numerous stunning examples of Buddhist iconography. I took a lot of pictures of bodhisattvas when I was there (see Bodhisattvas) - couldn't help myself. As a way of sharing some of these images, I have decided to make this Bodhisattva Week. The unidentified bodhisattva shown above is from Tang Dynasty (618-907) China; wood with traces of paint.

Everyday, the Four Bodhisattva Vows are chanted in Buddhist temples around the world:

Beings are numberless, I vow to free them.

Delusions are inexhaustible, I vow to end them.

Dharma gates are boundless, I vow to enter them.

The awakened way is unsurpassable, I vow to embody it. 

These vows are a tall order. Good thing there are so many bodhisattva guides out there to help us actualize them. 

Bodhisattvas

This from the spectacular Asian Art wing of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. That's Guanyin seated in the middle (Song Dynasty, 960-1269, wood with traces of paint), flanked by a pair of unidentified bodhisattvas (Southern Song Dynasty, 1127-1279, wood with traces of paint). The altar set and incense burner are from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). [NOTE: I had this whole wing to myself yesterday; non-flash photography is permitted. I was in heaven...].

The Bell - Or The Picture Of The Bell

Am in Philadelphia, and yesterday I went to see the Liberty Bell in the historic district. Interesting to watch people's reaction to this iconic symbol of American freedom. The perception has largely replaced the reality in terms of importance. Let freedom ring.

Nine Mile

Welcoming committee at Bob Marley's tomb in Nine Mile, Jamaica. Bob Marley was born in Nine Mile (about 35 miles S of Ocho Rios), and the tomb is owned and operated by his family. Elysa and I visited here in the mid-1980's, and had the pleasure of being shown around by Bunny Wailer (born Nevile O'Riley Livingston), one of the original members of Bob Marley and the Wailers (along with Peter Tosh). [NOTE: We bought none of the numerous "commemorative objects" offered for sale here].

Steep Slope, Slippery Path

Older Miao man in Xijiang, Guizhou slowly walking down a steep sidewalk with his cane.  The wooden sign above his head summarizes quite well the current situation in this community. It is indeed a steep slope and a slippery path to maintain cultural identity while trying to maximize the economic returns and touristic potential of the traditional dress, music, and dance of your Miao ethnicity. [NOTE: It starts by putting up signs in English...].

Heima

I very much enjoy the ethereal, minimalist, almost classical, music produced by the Icelandic post-rock band Sigur Ros. The falsetto vocals of Jónsi Birgisson. The bowed guitar (e.g. at 1:46 in video). The waves of sound. This video is a trailer for Heima, a documentary film about Sigur Ros's tour of Iceland in 2006. [NOTE: Probably best to view this gorgeous piece of cinematography at full screen. Enjoy your weekend].

Rakusu

Row of rakusu hanging up during work practice at the Empty Hand Zen Center. I think I was cleaning the bathrooms the day I took this photo. [NOTE: Although they look quite simple, the instructions for sewing a rakusu extend over 13 pages. Mine is hanging face out from the middle peg; the white, inscribed panel with the student's Dharma name, the Robe Verse, and the teacher's seal is on the back].

My Office (From the Archive)

Nothing more than a slow spin in my office chair with a video camera. Look for the Burmese mala, the Sonic Youth photo, my orange NYBG cap, and the postcard of the Tibetan flag. Sorry about the mess. Music is by Amiina. [NOTE: This video was originally posted in April, 2009. My office now has a few more books, a new brass Buddha from Laos, field books from Vietnam scattered all over the floor (see Field Books), a new Pachira aquatica Aubl. plant in a clay pot, and a 21.5 inch iMac - and several unfinished grant proposals - on the desk. I left the orange NYBG cap somewhere in southwestern China].

Sketching

A lot of different types of people are drawn to the Miao community of Xijiang in Guizhou (see Xijiang Landscape, Road to Xijiang). Some people come to see the elaborate costumes and beautiful dances; others come to count tree rings (see Counting the Rings) and study traditional patterns of resource use (see Fields of Gold).  A final group, perhaps the most attentive of all, come to sketch the local people, the houses (see above) and the landscapes.  

A Valentine

This wonderful creation has been up on the blackboard in the kitchen for the past week (thx, Amy). Pretty much says it all.  Happy Valentine's Day, everyone.