In Thai manuscripts, the future Buddha is at the centre of some of the most beautiful illustrations

According to canonical scriptures, Ariya Metteyya is the fifth in the lineage of Buddhas of the current aeon and the successor of the 28 Buddhas of the past.

Jana Igunma

· Apr 11, 2022 · 09:30 pm

Illustrations: A puzzling fragment from an 18th-century Thai meditation manual

The lavishly illustrated manuscript consists of just three complete and two half folios with Pali and Thai text in Khmer and Khom scripts.

Jana Igunma

· Feb 20, 2022 · 07:30 pm

Illustrations: In Thai Buddhist cosmology, Indra lives in a celestial stupa with 32 other deities

The ‘Chulamani Chedi’ is mentioned repeatedly in the story of the life of the Buddha.

Jana Igunma

· Nov 08, 2021 · 11:30 pm

In Thai manuscript paintings, chariots are more than just vehicles for transportation

The chariot has special importance in religious traditions in Thailand, especially those related to royal ceremonies and funerals.

Jana Igunma

· Aug 11, 2021 · 09:30 pm

The story of star-crossed lovers Suthon and Manora lives on in Thailand’s dance and drama

Manora, a mythical bird-like creature, and Buddhist prince Suthon, were separated after a murder attempt on the former.

Jana Igunma

· Jul 26, 2020 · 09:30 pm

How the 50 ‘birth-tales’ of Buddha spread from Thailand to the rest of Southeast Asia

The Paññāsa Jātaka contain stories outside the Buddhist canon.

Jana Igunma

· Jun 20, 2020 · 07:30 pm

Illustrations: The many lives of Gautama Buddha in 18th and 19th century manuscripts

The Buddha-to-be was portrayed as a mythical serpent king and the son of blind hermits.

Jana Igunma

· May 03, 2020 · 08:30 pm

How translated texts, paintings and songs brought Buddhism to the western world

Europeans first came into direct contact with Buddhist ideas in the 13th century.

Jana Igunma

· Feb 05, 2020 · 01:30 pm

Christian Europe once celebrated the story of Buddha without even knowing it

The Buddha as Josaphat became a saint in medieval Europe with his own feast day: November 27.

Jana Igunma

· Jul 04, 2019 · 08:30 pm

Photos: How ancient manuscripts have depicted the teachings of Gautam Buddha

Snapshots from the British Library’s ‘Buddhism Illuminated: Manuscript Art from Southeast Asia’.

San San May

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Jana Igunma

· Nov 15, 2018 · 09:30 pm

Ilustrations and photos from 19th century show elaborate Thai funeral traditions through history

For kings, the mourning period could last for a year, as was seen with Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in October.

Jana Igunma

· Jan 06, 2018 · 11:30 pm

Pictures: How Thai manuscript art brought the background to the forefront

The background is an important part of the composition and has a significant impact on the finished artwork.

Jana Igunma

· Oct 27, 2017 · 09:30 pm