The Sacred Art of Tibetan Buddhism: understanding art as "ten.pa" as "objects of support"
with Andy Weber
All Buddhist art is considered by practitioners as “ten.pa”, which translates to ‘objects of support’. “Ten” meaning support and “pa” object. The question is: how do they support us exactly. This lecture series will shed light onto the sacred art of Tibetan Buddhism and, ultimately, the nature of our true existence.
Lecture I: BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI – Introduction into the Sacred Art of Tibet.
This lecture will focus on the image of Buddha Shakyamuni, its deep symbolism and its relation to the vast iconography of Tibetan Buddhism. Andy will teach students how to ‘read’ the image and how to use these insights in one’s personal life and daily practise. Only through such knowledge, the object becomes sacred and meaningful.
Lecture II: WHEEL OF LIFE – The essence of the Buddha’s teaching.
How do Buddhists perceive reality not only over life times, but also indeed from moment to moment in their existence? How are beings bound to endless cycles of life, death and rebirth? How do practitioners relate to the message of this image and use it as daily inspiration and guide. This lecture will shed light onto this extraordinary image, displayed outside temples and monasteries to remind visitors to the sacred site of their purpose and reasons for entering.
Lecture III: VAJRASATTVA – the Buddha of Purification as commonly known.
This lecture will explore the deeper symbolism of the deity, his ornaments and ritual tools he is holding. How do we relate to ‘deities’ and why? What is purification on the various levels of tantric practice? This lecture will reveal the reasons for the existence of sacred art and emanations of the deities.
About the Teacher
The artist Andy Weber spent eight years in India and Nepal studying the iconographic art of Tibetan Buddhism under the guidance of accomplished masters in northern India and Nepal. His unique style is highly respected not only by a growing number of western Buddhists, but also by many Tibetan lamas who have commissioned his work. His artwork has appeared throughout the world in numerous publications, exhibitions and Buddhist temples, most notably in the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. He divides his time between teaching and lecturing all over the world, and painting and drawing for various projects. Andy is the artist and co-author of the book “Images of Enlightenment” (1993). More recently, he has published instruction manuals for sacred iconography with Tig.le productions, both in English and in Spanish. He has also taught in universities, namely Lancaster University for nine years.
His style of teaching is direct and based on personal experience and insight. For most listeners, his personal approach is an eye-opener into the sacred art of Tibet.
His art and teaching schedule is available on his website: www.andyweberstudios.com
