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India: Himalayan Buddhist Art and Architecture (INA) Program Links - 1 3953

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India: Himalayan Buddhist Art and Architecture

Program Highlights

The program promises an extensive and intimate look at the unique Vajrayana Buddhist culture. This area, often referred to as "Little Tibet," is within the political territory of the far northern corner of India. Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar are regions that remain culturally intact, their ancient monasteries and distinctive secular communities vibrant and creative.

Rare Art History in Remote Locations

Travel to areas only few have the opportunity to see, and learn about the spectacular sites from experts.   Monasteries built into mountainsides take one’s breath away, and speak volumes about the ancient civilizations who thrived in the Himalayas.  Meet those who have reconstructed this history, those who are creating new history, and those who preserve that which still exists.  By program’s end, students can see the same sites with new eyes, aware of the symbolism, cultural, and religious significance infused in each place.

Climate, Altitude, and Geography

We will be in the valleys of Spiti, Ladakh and Zanskar, all situated on the Tibetan Plateau, which averages between 11,000 and 12,000 feet. We will cross high altitude passes close to 18,000 feet. This region is dry alpine desert, the first Himalayan range acting as a barrier against the South Asian Monsoon. The locale is remote, both culturally and geographically from the rest of Asia, yet has been an important part of Buddhist and silk road culture for many hundreds of years. Many of these areas have only recently become accessible, as roads were a rarity until just a few years ago.

Wildlife

Besides spectacular natural landscape, the western Himalayan area is also significant for unusual wildlife including the Himalayan wild ass (khang), wild yak, ibex, golden marmot, and blue sheep (bharal). Many unusual birds are also seen in the region including the Himalayan snow cock and the enormous lammergeier and griffon vultures.

Lecturers/Contributors

Lectures will be presented by the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies in Choglamsar, one of the preeminent centers for Tibetan Buddhist Studies in India. Dr. Mary Storm, the program’s academic director, is a Buddhist art history scholar with many years of experience in this Northern region of India.