Synopses & Reviews
In Tibetan Buddhism, the mandala (from the Sanskrit for circle) is the depiction of an imaginary palace to be contemplated in deep meditation. To open the covers of the giant, luminous Celestial Gallery is to step inside an array of these intricate palaces, and to take a spiritual journey to the heart of Buddhism. By meditating on each symbol, and moving mentally toward its center, the viewer, a seeker of higher awareness, can encounter ever deeper levels of meaning. The folio size promotes an intense, hypnotic experience, giving readers the opportunity to explore these works of breathtaking brilliance in minute detail.
Ian A. Baker, acclaimed Tibetan scholar and author of the text in Shrestha's first book, The Tibetan Art of Healing, provides inspiring commentary to each painting. Best-selling author Deepak Chopra introduces Celestial Gallery, and Dr. Robert Thurman, preeminent authority on Buddhism, contributes an insightful afterword
Synopsis
Boldly reinterpreting an age old Tibetan artistic tradition, this enormous album offers gorgeously detailed representations of celestial spheres, known as mandalas. Merely gazing upon them is meant to inspire heightened states of intention and clarity. In CELESTIAL GALLERY master painter Romio Shrestha and his team of artisan monks have rendered postmodern interpretations of these enlightened Buddha realms. Made from hand ground malachite, lapis, marigolds, and more, and painted at times with three cat tail hairs, these multifaceted scenes of otherworldly deities are produced with hauntingly powerful detail. Depictions of White Tara. Caven Tara, the Medicine Buddha, and many other celestials invite and inspite meditation and reflection.
Synopsis
Opening the oversized pages of Celestial Gallery is akin to entering a grand museum. This impressive, high-quality production features White Tara, Green Tara, the Medicine Buddha, and many other celestials, while lending new meaning to the terms full-size and full-color. Four color printing with spot varnish throughout.