Could this be a sign ....
Update on 1 September 2009: How disappointing! Received an email that the lecture has been cancelled because the speaker was unwell and was advised to return to the States for treatment. Was so looking forward to this. I sure hope this doesn't mean that *reaches out for the wooden table* ....
I was clearing my email before I start on some work and came across a mailer from Asian Civilisations Museum on an upcoming talk. After the weekend trip to Angkor Wat, I was actually considering Borobudur as my next weekend trip. The area being earthquake prone (think one took place in 2006), I am not sure how long these ancient structures will be around longer so would definitely like to see this temple and a few other great ones at Jogjakarta.
So receiving this email is a real good sign *grins* So am gonna sign up and go for this talk. If you're interested, drop them an email to 'chope' a spot. Have copied the info below or you could go to ACM's main website.
I was clearing my email before I start on some work and came across a mailer from Asian Civilisations Museum on an upcoming talk. After the weekend trip to Angkor Wat, I was actually considering Borobudur as my next weekend trip. The area being earthquake prone (think one took place in 2006), I am not sure how long these ancient structures will be around longer so would definitely like to see this temple and a few other great ones at Jogjakarta.
So receiving this email is a real good sign *grins* So am gonna sign up and go for this talk. If you're interested, drop them an email to 'chope' a spot. Have copied the info below or you could go to ACM's main website.
(3 things that made me happy today: 1. Found information about inter-tidal walk for Chek Jawa and there's one coming up on 18 Oct so hoping that I can book for that. 2. Broke fast while driving home from work with yummy Crunchie Chocolate from my 'Angel' at work. 3. Did some grocies shopping and bought some nice things for a hamper I am putting together for somebody.)
Bian-hong: Mastermind of Borobudur?02 Sep 09 . Wednesday . 7.00pm - 8.45pm @ Ngee Ann Auditorium, ACM Empress Place
Hiram Woodward will provide a tour of Borobudur, describing the nature of the spiritual ascent that culminates in the open terraces at the summit. The meaning of these terraces has never been well understood, and the speaker will present new theories about their meaning. He will discuss the possibility that a Javanese monk who studied Tantric Buddhism in China in the late 8th century might have returned to Java and played a role in the design of this monument.
The Javanese monk, known only by his Chinese name Bian-hong, arrived in the Tang capital of Chang-an in 780 and was initiated into the Womb Mandala by Hui-guo (also the teacher of the Japanese master Kukai). Dr. Woodward’s presentation will explore the hypothesis that Bian-hong subsequently returned to Java and was involved in the design of Borobudur. He will propose that the template for the design of the upper terraces of the monument was derived from a letter diagram found in Tantric texts.
Borobudur can be interpreted in the light of texts illustrated in its reliefs. But other texts were involved, and which texts these were is a matter of controversy. Dr. Woodward will present new views concerning these texts.
About the speaker
Hiram Woodward, Curator Emeritus of Asian Art, Walters Art Museum (Baltimore), is the author of The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand (1997) and The Art and Architecture of Thailand from Prehistoric Times through the Thirteenth Century (2003). He is an art historian who received his doctorate from Yale University in 1975. His first publication concerning Borobudur appeared in 1981.
This lecture is organised by the Research and Publications Unit of ACM.
Due to limited seating, registration is required. Please R.S.V.P to nhb_acm_rpu@nhb.gov.sg by 1st September, Tuesday. Successful registrants will be notified by email.
The Javanese monk, known only by his Chinese name Bian-hong, arrived in the Tang capital of Chang-an in 780 and was initiated into the Womb Mandala by Hui-guo (also the teacher of the Japanese master Kukai). Dr. Woodward’s presentation will explore the hypothesis that Bian-hong subsequently returned to Java and was involved in the design of Borobudur. He will propose that the template for the design of the upper terraces of the monument was derived from a letter diagram found in Tantric texts.
Borobudur can be interpreted in the light of texts illustrated in its reliefs. But other texts were involved, and which texts these were is a matter of controversy. Dr. Woodward will present new views concerning these texts.
About the speaker
Hiram Woodward, Curator Emeritus of Asian Art, Walters Art Museum (Baltimore), is the author of The Sacred Sculpture of Thailand (1997) and The Art and Architecture of Thailand from Prehistoric Times through the Thirteenth Century (2003). He is an art historian who received his doctorate from Yale University in 1975. His first publication concerning Borobudur appeared in 1981.
This lecture is organised by the Research and Publications Unit of ACM.
Due to limited seating, registration is required. Please R.S.V.P to nhb_acm_rpu@nhb.gov.sg by 1st September, Tuesday. Successful registrants will be notified by email.
Talk is free. Admission charges to galleries apply.
posted by Me, Myself n I at 8:00 pm
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