Sacred Art and Architecture of Bhutan
with Stephanie Johnston
Wednesday, Sept 23
an illustrated *online* presentation

Bhutan, sometimes called The Dragon Kingdom, sits high in the eastern Himalayan mountains. Lush with greenery, crystal clear rivers and waterfalls weave through its landscape, while wisps of fog and great towering clouds play and roll in the vast sky above—very much like dragons. Woven into this landscape are the Bhutanese people and their culture in a unique living tapestry of Vajrayana Buddhism.

At the mention of Buddhism perhaps a Buddha image of Shakyamuni Buddha or Siddhartha, appear to mind. Springing from deep insight based in experience and meditative reflection, he is said to have directly understood this mysterious experience of our world and its inhabitants, or he experienced enlightenment. This fundamentally awake and vivid, intrinsically wise, and in action, always compassionate state of being is what lies at the heart of Vajrayana Buddhism.

And, it’s what lies at the heart and art of Bhutan. Whether architecture, clothing, the national sport (archery), the great dance festivals, or its many temples filled with sculptures, ritual objects, and painted with murals, all of it expresses this living tradition of Vajrayana Buddhism.

Art of Bhutan is an illustrated overview of Bhutan’s artistic highlights.

Join Stephanie for a presentation of fascinating visuals and cultural history.

It’s also a good primer for those curious about Vajrayana Buddhism and Buddhist art.

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Teacher Stephanie Johnston, is a long-time Buddhist practitioner, student and teacher,

museum docent, graphic designer, lover of art (NASCAD alumni), and author of

Symbolizing the Awakened Heart: the Practice of Buddhist Visual Literacy.

*ONLINE* - via Zoom

• Investment: $30 CAD

• Time: 2:30-4:45pm NDT with 15 min break (PDT 10am, MDT 11am, EDT 1pm, ADT 2pm, CEDT 7pm)

• Recording available until the end of the year​​​

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