Buch, Englisch, 368 Seiten, Hardback, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 231 mm, Gewicht: 771 g
Buch, Englisch, 368 Seiten, Hardback, Format (B × H): 155 mm x 231 mm, Gewicht: 771 g
ISBN: 978-0-8248-8785-8
Verlag: Cornell University (Ceas)
Following an introduction that relates the colorful story of the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous jewels in the world, chapters explore the function of jewels as personal identifiers in Buddhist and other Indian religious traditions; Buddhaghosa's commentary on the Jewel Sutta; the paradox of the Buddha's bejeweled status before and after renunciation; and the connection in early Buddhism between jewels, magnificence, and virtue. The Newars of Nepal are the focus of a chapter that looks at their gemology and associations between gems and celestial deities. Contributors analyze the Fifth Dalai Lama's reliquary, known as the "sole ornament of the world"; the transformation of relic jewels into precious substances and their connection to the Piprahwa stupa in Northern India and the Nanjing Porcelain Pagoda. Final chapters offer detailed studies of ritual engagement with the deity known as Wish-Fulfilling Jewel Avalokitesvara and its role in the new Japanese lay Buddhist religious movement Shinnyo-en.
Engaging and accessible, Jewels, Jewelry, and Other Shiny Things in the Buddhist Imaginary will provide readers with an opportunity to look beyond a common misconception about Buddhism and bring its lived tradition into wider discussion.