Monasteries in Tibet and India safeguard highly valuable illuminated manuscripts of sacred texts from Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Me from rural and courtly life with scenes characteristic of certain months in the year (sowing, harvesting, etc). A Greek manuscript from the 14th century, entirely executed in the Byzantine style, describes scenes from the Life of … Read more
In ancient times, Buddhist monks, known as bhikshus, did not have a permanent residence. They lived under trees or in caves, or would construct viharas, simple shelters made of twigs and leaves, near populated areas. Gradually, it became customary to place these viharas next to each other, giving rise to monasteries, called sangharamas, which were … Read more
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the entire Europe was engulfed in centuries-long wars and general poverty, in which urban culture remained preserved only in traces. In such circumstances, all forms of classical art, including the art of garden design, almost completely evaporated and disappeared. The Church, with its monasteries, remained the only bearer … Read more
A wind horse carrying the “desire to attain the jewel of enlightenment”. The Tibetan name for prayer flags is dar cho; dar generally means “increase” – of life, prosperity, health, and happiness, while cho refers to all sentient beings. Prayer flags are simple handicrafts that, united with the energy of nature, harmoniously blend with the … Read more
