Bytemarks

I first met these Bhutanese monks during our annual mochi pounding event at Chozen-ji over Christmas holiday. They of course are here for the BIG Bhutan exhibit coming up at the Academy of Arts. Now that I have a bit of free time on my hands one of the things I’ve been doing is volunteering at the Academy. It’s my way of not squandering my free time while learning something about Bhutanese culture and Buddhism in general. Leading up to the exhibit opening on Feb. 26th, the Academy holds Wed. lectures for their docents and volunteers. Last week the lecture was about the Bhutanese tangkhas (scrolls) and how the Academy’s effort to help restore these tangkhas lead to this exhibit. If you look at the photos I posted on Flickr you can see examples of tangkha in states of disintegration. I am assuming the tangkhas in the exhibit will have been restored but not having seen the exhibit yet, I can’t be certain. This past week’s lecture was quick overview of Buddhism in Bhutan. Buddhism is a fascinating philosophy and religion and I will admit I am only scratching the surface of this deep and varied spiritual path. Needless to say it was very mind expanding and I would recommend attending the exhibit. There will be a special performance of Buddhist ritual dance at Thomas Square on Feb. 23rd at 5:00pm. Bring your cameras because it will be a sight to behold. Stay tune as I plan to cover this exhibit as a blogging volunteer.