Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past

Sculpture from the Buddhist Stupas of Andhra Pradesh

Nonfiction, Art & Architecture, Art History, Asian, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Buddhism
Cover of the book Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past by Catherine Becker, Oxford University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Catherine Becker ISBN: 9780190202156
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: September 1, 2014
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Catherine Becker
ISBN: 9780190202156
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: September 1, 2014
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

In this wide-ranging exploration of the creation and use of Buddhist art in Andhra Pradesh, India, Catherine Becker examines how material remains and visual experiences shape and reveal essential human concerns. Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past addresses the fundamental Buddhist question of how humanity progresses centuries after the passing of its teacher, the Buddha Sakyamuni. How might the Buddha's distant teachings be made immediate and accessible? Beginning with an analysis of the spectacular relief sculptures that once adorned the stupas. Over a period of almost two millennia, many of these stupas have fallen into disrepair. While it is tempting to view these monuments as ruins, they are by no means "dead." Turning to the 20th and 21st centuries, Becker analyzes examples of new Buddhist imagery, recent state-sponsored tourism campaigns, and new devotional activities at the sites in order to demonstrate that the stupas of Andhra Pradesh and their sculptural adornments continue to engage the human imagination and are even ascribed innate power and agency. Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past reveals intriguing parallels between ancient uses of imagery and the new social, political, and religious functions of these objects and spaces.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this wide-ranging exploration of the creation and use of Buddhist art in Andhra Pradesh, India, Catherine Becker examines how material remains and visual experiences shape and reveal essential human concerns. Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past addresses the fundamental Buddhist question of how humanity progresses centuries after the passing of its teacher, the Buddha Sakyamuni. How might the Buddha's distant teachings be made immediate and accessible? Beginning with an analysis of the spectacular relief sculptures that once adorned the stupas. Over a period of almost two millennia, many of these stupas have fallen into disrepair. While it is tempting to view these monuments as ruins, they are by no means "dead." Turning to the 20th and 21st centuries, Becker analyzes examples of new Buddhist imagery, recent state-sponsored tourism campaigns, and new devotional activities at the sites in order to demonstrate that the stupas of Andhra Pradesh and their sculptural adornments continue to engage the human imagination and are even ascribed innate power and agency. Shifting Stones, Shaping the Past reveals intriguing parallels between ancient uses of imagery and the new social, political, and religious functions of these objects and spaces.

More books from Oxford University Press

Cover of the book The Case for Mental Imagery by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Canadian Cinema by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Rights of Man, Common Sense, and Other Political Writings by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Bipolar Disorder in Youth by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Jews in Canada by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book The Greatest Fight of Our Generation by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Porter, Steward, Citizen by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book When Doctors Become Patients by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Love's Subtle Magic by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Social Injustice and Public Health by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Recipes for Immortality by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of Hobbes by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Beyond Pleasure and Pain by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Sudan, South Sudan, and Darfur:What Everyone Needs to Know by Catherine Becker
Cover of the book Mr. Collier's Letter Racks by Catherine Becker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy