Paths to Paradise: The World of Buddhism

August 22 - November 8, 2009 

Buddhism is a religion to about 300 million people around the world. The word comes from the term budhi, which means 'to awaken'. It has its origins about 2,500 years ago when Siddhartha Gautama was himself awakened (enlightened) at the age of 35 and became Buddha.

This exhibition consists of works primarily from the Museum’s permanent collection, along with some pieces from various private collections in Sarasota. Paths to Paradise represents the general history of the Buddha and the distinctive features of Buddhist deities.  It also looks at dharma implements (Buddhist ritual items) from multiple cultures of Asia, including India, China, Japan, Korea, Nepal, Tibet, and Vietnam.  The show will educate people about the different iconographic characteristics and religious functions of Buddhist deities, as well as the different artistic styles of Buddhist images from multiple Asian cultures.