The last news about religious Asian arts and antiques

  • Unlocking the Mysteries of the Hand of Buddha: A Symbol of Wisdom and Enlightenment

    The Hand of Buddha, also known as Vitarka Mudra or the Teaching Mudra, is a sacred and mystical symbol deeply rooted in Buddhism. This symbolic gesture, made by the Buddha during his teachings, holds profound significance in the Buddhist tradition. In this article, we will delve into the history, meaning, and cultural importance of the […]

  • What Were the Bamiyan Buddhas?

    The Bamiyan Buddhas were two colossal Buddhist statues carved into rock faces in the Bamiyan Valley of central Afghanistan during the 6th century. The exceptionally large, totemic statues were an important, partially intact relic of Buddhist cave architecture that had once spread throughout early Asia. In 2001, the statues were destroyed by Taliban forces, partly […]

  • Inferno engulfs giant Buddha statue as fire rips through temple

    Flames ripped through a centuries-old temple in China almost burning the historic building to the ground. Crews rushed to the Shandan Great Buddha Temple in Gansu province’s Shandan County in the early hours of Monday morning. Pictures and video footage posted online show a giant Buddha statue surrounded by flames inside the temple. After the […]

  • 10 Beautiful South Korean Temples

    When it comes to South Korea, most people think of the big three K’s: K-Pop, K-Drama, and K-Beauty. But the country has much more to it than hit music and sheet masks. Korea has a long and storied history filled with stunning remnants of its Buddhist past, which began in the fourth century when Buddhism […]

  • Myanmar’s generals unveil giant Buddha statue as they seek to win hearts and minds during civil war

    The military-controlled government of strife-torn Myanmar has unveiled a new giant statue of a sitting Buddha that is scheduled to be consecrated on Aug. 1 The military-controlled government of strife-torn Myanmar on Friday showed off a new giant statue of a sitting Buddha that is scheduled to be consecrated on Aug. 1, a powerful symbol […]

  • Over 60 Indian artefacts highlighting early Buddhist art exhibited at Met in New York

    New York: Over 60 ancient artefacts highlighting early Buddhist art have been brought from India and will be on display at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) here for a special exhibition marking 75 years of the country’s independence. The exhibition, titled ‘Tree & Serpent: Early Buddhist Art in India, 200 BCE–400 CE’, is […]

  • Buddha statue found at Keezha Pazhayarai

    A head of a Buddha statue was found at Keezha Pazhayarai near Patteesvaram in Kumbakonam Taluk, Thanjavur district. According to B. Jambulingam, Retired Assistant Registrar, Tamil University and historian, the statue was spotted during field work bring carried out along with Pulavar Selvasekar of Patteesvaram recently. The statue, around 50 cm in height, was found […]

  • The Monks who embalmed themselves

    True to Japanese patriarchal beliefs, no women monks were allowed to become sokushinbutsu. Sokushinbutsu shrines of Buddhist monks who transformed themselves into mummies while alive can be seen around Mount Yudono in northern Japan. Pilgrims believe they will rise to save mankind when the time comes. The search for salvation is within us, or so […]

  • Sensuous sanctity and an Isaan soul

    A painting of the lord Buddha on the wall of the Sim ordination hall of Wat Yang Thuang, Maha Sarakham province. (Photo by Phoowadon Duangmee) The unique Buddhist art on the walls of Isaan’s traditional ordination hall reveals the soul of the Isaan people. From the front door, the ordination hall of Wat Yang Thuang […]

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