Wheel of Existence

Wheel of Existence, Tibet, early 20th century, pigments on cloth, 81 x 58.7 cm (Rubin Museum of Art). A conversation with Dr. Elena Pakhoutova, Senior Curator, Rubin Museum of Art and Dr. Beth Harris.
Rubin Museum senior curator Dr. Elena Pakhoutova and Smarthistory’s Dr. Beth Harris reflect on a
thangka painting of the Wheel of Life, also known as the Wheel of Existence. The painting depicts the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth (samsara) in various forms, which are in the grip of the Lord of Death, Yama.
The Rubin Museum of Art has teamed up with Smarthistory to bring you an ‘up-close’ look at select objects from the Rubin’s preeminent collection of Himalayan art. Featuring conversations with senior curators and close-looking at art, this video series is an accessible introduction to the art and material culture of the Tibetan, Himalayan, and Inner Asian regions. Learn about the living traditions and art-making practices of the Himalayas from the past to today.
Learn more about the Wheel of Life on Project Himalayan Art, a resource from the Rubin for learning about Himalayan, Tibetan, and Inner Asian art and cultures:
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
projecthimalayanart.rubinmuse...
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About the Rubin Museum:
The Rubin is a global museum dedicated to sharing Himalayan art through a dynamic digital platform, participatory experiences, exhibitions, and partnerships. Inspired and informed by Himalayan art, the Rubin invites people to contemplate the human experience and deepen connections with the world around them in order to expand awareness, enhance well-being, and cultivate compassion.
View the Himalayan Art Up Close series: / playlist
Subscribe to the Rubin Museum KZbin channel: / @rubinmuseum
Image: Wheel of Existence; Tibet; early 20th century; pigments on cloth; Rubin Museum of Art;
C2004.21.1 (HAR65356)

[@Sasha0927]

I know NOTHING of Tibetan art, so this is a first in every way. I'm surprised fear is not mentioned as one of the afflicted states of consciousness. I agree with Dr. Harris - it's interesting that being a god doesn't exempt you from being on this wheel. I can only imagine what you'd have to pull to go from god-status to the hell realm. 😅 The British man made me laugh so much. What a random easter egg! It's like finding Waldo! "Totally subdue your own mind." Those are words to aspire to... This was fascinating! 😄 I'd love to look more at each figure and appreciate the details / theories about life behind each of them.

[@melissawilliams5727]

To be fair, fear is the undercurrent of all the afflicted emotional states: desire (fear of missing out, fear of deprivation), ignorance (fear of truth, fear of clarity/transparency) and hatred (fear of difference, fear of the unknown)… Just my 2 pennies.

[@genoallmond9936]

Saw lots of these when I spent time in Tibet (from Northern India), this video was very helpful in understanding what I was looking at!

[@USENAM9U]

What an amazing coincidence/sincronicuty, i was just writing a text about this Wheel of Existence for a Buddhist Studies course that my sangha offers for us and when i felt tired i openned youtube to relax a bit and stumbled on your video! Thanks for the amazing content by the way

[@itsgonnabeanaurfromme]

That's how technology works these days. You type anything or even mention it in a device, and google or, KZbin suddenly knows what you're looking for.

[@USENAM9U]

@@itsgonnabeanaurfromme must be a google docs/ youtube connection, and its weird and kind of scary

[@random22026]

2:26 This is superb--the inclusion of karma in this discussion, in particular! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 7:24☸🤗

[@puddinggeek4623]

Excellent video as always. Very informative and entertaining. Keep up the great work.

[@laurachapple6795]

I love the phrase 'like a great elephant in a house of mud'. The Buddhist equivalent of a bull in a china shop!

[@user-py7wp6nw9h]

God I so love you guys!

[@arditgashi662]

I love the way you explain things

[@eaterdrinker000]

I've heard the Rubin is closing its physical location. Sad to see it go, especially as a New Yorker!