Buddhist Art and Architecture

Facilitator: Jack Renard

We will begin with an introduction to Buddhism, including its central concepts, its origins and development, along with the spread of Theravada and Mahayana.  We will examine cave temples and become familiar with stupa symbolism, while reviewing the development of Buddhist iconography.  The class will learn about the spread of Buddhism to the Himalayan kingdoms of Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, studying the Vajrayana (aka Tantric) lineages, featuring thangkas and mandalas. Next we will follow the footsteps of the Buddha into South East Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia). Visits to China, Korea, and Japan will occupy four class sessions, focusing on the many lineages of Mahayana Buddhism.

Weekday	Dates	Time	Format	Cost	Registration
Mondays	April 1 – May 20, 2024	10 am – Noon	In-person WashU West Campus	$160	Full class – click here to join wait list