080051 SE The Mandala: Theory and Practice in India and Tibet - Exploring the Normative and the Performative (2010W)
Continuous assessment of course work
Labels
Seminar wird im Jänner geblockt abgehalten
1.Termin: Mittwoch 6.10.2010
2.Termin: Donnerstag 9.12.2010
1.Termin: Mittwoch 6.10.2010
2.Termin: Donnerstag 9.12.2010
Registration/Deregistration
Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).
- Registration is open from Th 02.09.2010 10:00 to Fr 10.09.2010 12:00
- Deregistration possible until Mo 18.10.2010 12:00
Details
max. 20 participants
Language: German
Lecturers
Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N
- Thursday 07.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 14.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 21.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 28.10. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 04.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 11.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 18.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 25.11. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 02.12. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 09.12. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 16.12. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 13.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 20.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
- Thursday 27.01. 18:00 - 20:00 Seminarraum 2 d. Inst. f. Kunstgeschichte UniCampus Hof 9 3F-EG-20
Information
Aims, contents and method of the course
The mandala is a symbolic form found in all Asian religions. In its earliest usage in Vedic India as well as in contemporary English it is synonymous with sacred space. By moving through the sacred space of the mandala the worshiper activates the mandala; the worshiper identifies with the in-dwelling gods and becomes a part of the sacred realm of the mandala. This spiritual journey is most usually identified as a pilgrimage. In Buddhism, the pilgrimage follows the progress of Sakyamuni Buddha's life. The 8 pilgrimage sites associated with the Buddha's life are brought together in a sacred space called a mandala, which can be physically experienced as a sacred landscape or recreated mentally through 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional visual forms.
Assessment and permitted materials
Critical lecture of scientific texts and analyses of images, 20-minutes presentation and exposition of a selected topic, seminar paper, active participation on discussions
Minimum requirements and assessment criteria
In the seminar we will study the different forms and function of a mandala, in order to understand the normative and performative character of a mandala. In Buddhism the worshiper activates the mandala both through seeing, mental imaging, meditation (prayer and recitation) and movement. We will consider the different types of a mandala as it is used used as visual substitutes and supports for a virtual pilgrimage. The symbolism of a mandala will be discussed to see how it can be understood through both physical and mental images and how the physical and mental journey assists the Buddhist on his path towards "awakening".
Examination topics
First we will consider the definition and meaning of mandala.
Then we will study examples of the mandala as sacred landscape, activated and possessed through pilgrimage (and meditative practice). Then we will consider the artistic mandala which established the sacred space in which the worshiper can identify with Buddha Shakyamuni's spiritual journey. The worshiper performs the pilgrimage mentally and through the physical practice of pradakshina (ritual circumambulation) through the sacred space of the mandala. Portable paintings of mandala in the Tibetan tradition are the most common form of support for mediation; thus selected Tibetan thangka paintings of mandalas will also be studied.
Then we will study examples of the mandala as sacred landscape, activated and possessed through pilgrimage (and meditative practice). Then we will consider the artistic mandala which established the sacred space in which the worshiper can identify with Buddha Shakyamuni's spiritual journey. The worshiper performs the pilgrimage mentally and through the physical practice of pradakshina (ritual circumambulation) through the sacred space of the mandala. Portable paintings of mandala in the Tibetan tradition are the most common form of support for mediation; thus selected Tibetan thangka paintings of mandalas will also be studied.
Reading list
Association in the course directory
F 212
Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:31