San Antonio Museum of Art explores Pure Land Buddhism

RIVARD REPORT
By Nancy Cook-Monroe

Amida Buddha with Attending Bodhisattvas Japan, Edo period, late 18th century Wood with gold, pigment, metal, and headstones, 22 x 18 x 9 in. San Antonio Museum of Art, gift of Lenora and Walter F. Brown, 2013.38.262 Photography by Peggy Tenison

SAN ANTONIO---From June 16 through Sept. 10, the San Antonio Museum of Art will present "Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism." The exhibition’s 70 paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects are examples of art and objects used in the devotional and funerary traditions of the Pure Land Buddhism sect. “Heaven and Hell" provides a dynamic and in-depth view of Pure Land Buddhism, highlighting the way different cultures adopted and adapted the faith,” Sano said. Pure Land Buddhism differs from traditional Theravada Buddhism in that the believer attains nirvana upon death simply by calling the name of Amitābha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, rather than through study and meditation. [More]

San Antonio Museum of Art: "Heaven and Hell: Salvation and Retribution in Pure Land Buddhism" (June 16 - September 10, 2017); 200 West Jones Avenue, San Antonio, Texas; (210) 978-8100; samuseum.org