The Compassionate Bodhisattva

Southeast Asia has a long history with Buddhism that continues to the present day. Centuries ago, Buddhism spread to various areas of Southeast Asia, where some of the greatest Buddhist images and monuments were produced over 1,000 years ago. These include the majestic Borobudur in Central Java and Angkor Thom in Cambodia. Images of the Bodhisattva Avalokite¿vara in bronze were also produced in large numbers at this time.

This book deals with images of Avalokite¿vara that are unique to specific countries of Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. It introduces a wider audience to the beauty and originality of Southeast Asian art. The text focuses on specific forms of Avalokite¿vara images found in the different regions of Southeast Asia, illustrating the local developments of Buddhist art. This includes an exploration of both iconography and style, but will also highlight the continuous desire of the artists to portray the compassion for which Avalokite¿vara is known. Even in today¿s modern world, the idea of compassion becomes ever more vital and the Bodhisattva remains popular among all Buddhists. This book would be a source of knowledge, but perhaps most importantly, fantastical and beautiful images that in themselves are a comfort as they radiate the quality of Avalokite¿vara: compassion.

Contents

1 Introduction

2 Vietnam ¿ a local fashion style

3 Sumatra ¿ the golden Avalokite¿varas

4 Borneo ¿ the Sambas hoard

5 Java ¿ the sorrowful Avalokite¿vara

6 Malaysia ¿ Avalokite¿vara with the unfailing noose

7 Thailand ¿ Avalokite¿varas of Lopburi

8 Cambodia ¿ the radiant Avalokite¿vara

9 Conclusion