Posts Tagged ‘Tara’

History of the World in 100 Objects – Statue of Tara

Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
Tara in the British Museum (photo: Rafal Portas)

Tara in the British Museum (photo: Rafal Portas)

A History of the World in 100 Objects” was a joint project of BBC Radio 4 and the British Museum, comprising a 100-part radio series written and presented by British Museum director Neil MacGregor. In 15-minute presentations broadcast on weekdays on Radio 4, MacGregor used objects of ancient art, industry, technology and arms, all of which are in the British Museum’s collections, as an introduction to parts of human history. The series began in January 2010 and was broadcast over 20 weeks. Several of the objects had Buddhist significance, which we’re sharing here on the blog.

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The legend of Tara, female Buddha of Compassion

Thursday, October 7th, 2010

Green Tara

Green Tara

The legend of Tara, as recounted by lamas such as Taranatha (1575–1634), explains that countless eons ago, during the life of a former historical Buddha, there was a princess called Wisdom Moon (Tib. Yeshe Dawa). She received instructions from the Buddha on developing bodhicitta, the intention to reach enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, and first took the Bodhisattva Promise in his presence.

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New London Buddhist Centre road show in Switzerland

Sunday, March 21st, 2010
Buddhas in the Swiss Alps (yes, the background is real!)

Buddhas in the Swiss Alps (yes, the background is real!)

From 22-24 January 2010, 12 friends took the New London Buddhist Centre road show to Zürich and Amden in Switzerland. Each of our road shows is unique, and following the success of Graz last November, we wanted to continue to make good connections and create positive impressions for the success of the New London Buddhist Centre project. The theme for this road show was “James Bond”. The program also featured typical Swiss cuisine, cheese fondue with powerful pear schnaps, a fantastic party, full English breakfast and of course Buddhist teachings – given by travelling (more…)