The Thousand Buddhas
Enriched edition. Ancient Buddhist Paintings from the Cave-Temples of Tun-huang on the Western Frontier of ChinaBy Aurel Sir Stein
Length5h 20m
About this audiobook
In "The Thousand Buddhas," Aurel Stein masterfully intertwines vivid narrative with scholarly insight, presenting readers with an immersive exploration of the ancient Buddhist cave complexes in Dunhuang, China. Written in the early 20th century, Stein's eloquent prose reflects the era's fascination with oriental studies and archaeology, drawing upon his firsthand experiences as a pioneering explorer. The book delves into the intricate artistry and religious significance of the murals and sculptures within the caves, illuminating the cultural exchanges that thrived along the Silk Road and the enduring legacy of Buddhism in the region. Aurel Stein, a Hungarian-British archaeologist and explorer, is renowned for his significant contributions to the understanding of Central Asian history and culture. His extensive travels in the early 1900s were motivated by a deep appreciation for ancient texts and artifacts, as well as a desire to preserve the knowledge threatened by political upheaval and time. His innovative methodologies and passion for discovery inform every page of "The Thousand Buddhas," showcasing not only the beauty of the caves but also the urgency of their preservation. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art history, archaeology, or the spiritual traditions of East Asia. Stein's insightful commentary and vivid descriptions invite readers to journey through time and space, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of human expression that defines Buddhist art. Whether for academic study or personal enrichment, "The Thousand Buddhas" promises to illuminate the mysteries of a fascinating cultural heritage.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreSpirituality and Religion
Length5 hrs 20 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateNov 17, 2023
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1PREFACE
25PLATE XXIV TWO PAPER PAINTINGS OF AVALOKITEŚVARA
2THE TUN-HUANG PAINTINGS AND THEIR PLACE IN BUDDHIST ART
26PLATE XXV TWO PAINTINGS OF KṢITIGARBHA
3DESCRIPTIVE ACCOUNT OF PICTURES FROM THE CAVES OF THE THOUSAND BUDDHAS AT TUN-HUANG
27PLATE XXVI VAIŚRAVAṆA’S PROGRESS
4PLATES I, II THE PARADISE OF BHAIṢAJYAGURU
28PLATE XXVII VIRŪPĀKṢA AND MAÑJUŚRĪ
5PLATE III A CELESTIAL ASSEMBLAGE
29PLATE XXVIII BUST OF A LOKAPĀLA
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6PLATES IV, V PROCESSIONS OF MAÑJUŚRĪ AND SAMANTABHADRA
30PLATE XXIX TWO DHARMAPĀLAS AND A BODHISATTVA
7PLATE VI DETAILS FROM A PAINTING OF A BUDDHIST HEAVEN
31PLATE XXX SIDE-SCENES AND DETAILS FROM A BUDDHIST PARADISE PAINTING
8PLATE VII THE PARADISE OF ŚĀKYAMUNI
32PLATE XXXI A TIBETAN PAINTING OF TĀRĀ
9PLATE VIII AMITĀBHA’S PARADISE
33PLATE XXXII PAPER PICTURES OF A BODHISATTVA, SAINT, AND MONK
10PLATE IX LEGENDARY SCENES FROM A PAINTING OF MAITREYA’S PARADISE
34PLATE XXXIII PAPER PICTURES OF HERMIT AND HORSE-DRAGON
11PLATE X AMITĀBHA WITH ATTENDANTS
35PLATES XXXIV, XXXV EMBROIDERY PICTURE OF ŚĀKYAMUNI ON THE VULTURE PEAK
12PLATE XI A PARADISE OF AMITĀBHA
36PLATE XXXVI BHAIṢAJYAGURU’S PARADISE
13PLATE XII SCENES FROM GAUTAMA BUDDHA’S LIFE
37PLATE XXXVII BANNERS WITH SCENES FROM THE BUDDHA LEGEND
14PLATE XIII SCENES FROM THE BUDDHA LEGEND
38PLATE XXXVIII BUDDHA TEJAḤPRABHA AND AVALOKITEŚVARA AS GUIDE OF SOULS
15PLATE XIV IMAGES OF BUDDHAS AND BODHISATTVAS
39PLATE XXXIX KṢITIGARBHA WITH THE INFERNAL JUDGES
16PLATE XV TWO FORMS OF AVALOKITEŚVARA
40PLATE XL KṢITIGARBHA AS PATRON OF TRAVELLERS
17PLATE XVI FOUR FORMS OF AVALOKITEŚVARA
41PLATE XLI AVALOKITEŚVARA AND TWO OTHER BODHISATTVAS
18PLATE XVII AVALOKITEŚVARA IN GLORY
42PLATE XLII AVALOKITEŚVARA, THOUSAND-ARMED, WITH ATTENDANT DIVINITIES
19PLATE XVIII AVALOKITEŚVARA STANDING, WITH WILLOW SPRAY
43PLATE XLIII AVALOKITEŚVARA WITH LOKAPĀLA ATTENDANTS
20PLATE XIX TWO AVALOKITEŚVARAS WITH THE WILLOW SPRAY
44PLATE XLIV FRAGMENT OF STANDING AVALOKITEŚVARA
21PLATE XX AVALOKITEŚVARA WITH FLAME-WREATHED HALO
45PLATE XLV VAIŚRAVAṆA CROSSING THE OCEAN
22PLATE XXI AVALOKITEŚVARA STANDING
46PLATE XLVI FRAGMENT WITH CHILD ON DEMON’S HAND
23PLATE XXII TWO AVALOKITEŚVARA PAINTINGS WITH DONORS
47PLATE XLVII THREE LOKAPĀLA BANNERS
24PLATE XXIII SIX-ARMED AVALOKITEŚVARA WITH ATTENDANT BODHISATTVAS
48PLATE XLVIII FRAGMENT WITH FIGURE OF DEMONIC WARRIOR
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