Tibetan Arts in Exile - ACE442.3

Serapbalden Beru, Monastery Art Master, Samye Ling, explains the underlying structure of Tibetan painting. Plans of precisely measured grids as the basis for completed paintings. Artist blocking out designs on such a grid and painting the result. Masks and paintings. Beru explains the symbolic use of colours. Ringu Tulku explains that statues of Buddha in monasteries are reminders of his teachings and the focus of prayers in the community. Gilded statue. Dolma Jeffres, Artist at Samye Ling, explains that the statues are not worshipped but are reminders of good qualities that people might aspire to generate within themselves. Group prayers with use of horns, cymbals, prayer wheels, drums, bells, etc. The Tai Situ explains the requirements for building a temple or mastery. Nancy Chinnery, Artist at Samye Ling, gilding a statue, says she considers herself just one of many people who’ve made the temple what it is. She is pleased that her work of water gilding uses traditional Western techniques within a Buddhist context. Colin Smith, Artist at Samye Ling, working on a small metal deity, says he enjoys making spiritual objects. John Chinnery, Artist at Samye Ling, explains that he was interested in Buddhism before he came to Samye Ling. He unmoulds a resin figure. Figurine of praying monk. Polishing the metal figure; gilding the statue; opening a mould. Tulku talking about the responsibility carried by those outside Tibet for preserving the culture. Film of Tibetans at a wall of prayer wheels, and other religious activities. Tulku points out that experienced lamas are dying and the new generation has not been able to receive sufficient teaching to carry on their knowledge and teachings. Statue, bell, painting, mask. Credits.