Journey through Cambodian Buddhist & Hindu Iconography
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Discover the spiritual and artistic wonders of Wat Dhammararam Buddhist Temple's Sculpture Garden in Stockton, home to over 90 life-sized sculptures depicting the key moments of Sakyamuni Buddh'as life, as well as Cambodian Buddhist and Hindu deities. Led by esteemed scholar M.L. Pattaratorn Chirapravati, this study group will explore the profound symbolism and rich traditions of Cambodian Hindu and Theravāda Buddhist iconography, using these striking sculptures as a guide.
For those seeking a deeper connection, an optional blessing ceremony is conducted by the head abbott/artist, Master Kong Tith. This special prayer will follow a complimentary Cambodian non-vegetairan lunch, the Buddhist tradition of dāna — the act of offering food to accumulate good merit. Please note: The ceremony will require attendees to be seated on the floor for about one hour.
M.L. Pattaratorn Chirapravati is an art historian who specialized in Buddhist art and Southeast Asian visual cultures. She is an emeritus professor of art history and former Director of the Asian Studies Program at California State University, Sacramento. She was also former Head of Studies, Division of Arts and Humanities at Yale-NUS College (Singapore) in 2022—2024. She co-curated two major art exhibitions with Forrest McGill at the Asian Art Museum, The Kingdom of Siam: Art from Central Thailand (1530—1800) in 2005 and Emerald Cities: Arts of Siam and Burma (1775—1950) in 2009.
Registration Policies
The Society for Asian Art's cancellation policy requires at least one week's advance written notice in order to receive a refund of registration fees. This excludes our Travel programs, which have separate cancellation policies, as well as any programs where a specific refund policy is stated on the event page. Your fees will be returned to you through a check in the mail. To cancel, please contact us.
For programs located within the Asian Art Museum, the museum entrance fee must be paid separately and is not included with your registration fee.
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