The Rubin Museum of Art showcases Himalayan art and aims to explore connections with other world cultures. This is exactly the reason that I decided to visit the Rubin Museum of Art. I wanted to explore different cultures and religions. I know that Buddhism is a very prominent religion, but I realized that I knew very little about Buddhism and cultures relating to Buddhism.

When I first got to the museum I assumed that every statue I saw was considered Buddha, but I quickly learned that there are many different kinds of figures. Buddhas represent enlightened persons and are identifiable by their cranial protuberance, elongated earlobes and tufts of hair between their eyebrows. Other figures such as, Bodhisattvas are awakened beings. Their goal is to attain enlightenment and help others to achieve it. This figures are represented as both male and female and are portrayed with crowns and jewelery. Tantric Deities or tantras, personify enlightened qualities. They are often portrayed with many heads, arms and legs to symbolize their many abilities. Wrathful Deities are the protectors of Buddhists teachings and are portrayed with flaming hair, bulging eyes, fangs and garlands of severed heads.

When looking at these unique figures you quickly become aware that there are many different poses to take note of. These poses include: standing, royal ease, dancing, Lotus and Archer or Hunter’s Pose. There are also a number is different gestures, each symbolizing something different. There is a hand touching the earth which is a gesture of the Buddha calling on the earth to witness his enlightenment. A right hand with an exposed palm symbolizes the granting of wishes and blessings. Hands in the shape of a wheel symbolize teaching. The wheel representing the “turning of the wheel to dharma”, a Buddhist doctrine. Hand up with palm facing downward is a sign that there is nothing to fear. Two hands together represent prayer and reverence. Hands crossed one in front of the other forming wheels represent Tantric Unity, one hand represents wisdom while and the other method. The two together embrace a consort and bring together different aspects of enlightenment. One hand over the other with palms facing upward is a sign of contemplation.

I found these different gestures and what they symbolize fascinating. There is so much detail on one figure, yet, the subtlest of hand gestures represents an enormous idea. Because there is so much detail, there is still so much more left for me to learn.

In addition to the many Buddhist figures there are many other types of art at the Rubin Museuem, including contemporary works. Above are some pictures that I especially enjoyed and below is a video with many highlights from the museum:

Here is a video of my trip to the Rubin Museum:

http://www.rmanyc.org/

The Rubin Museum of Art is located in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City on 17th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues.

I would recommend getting a tour guide, as the museum itself is not informative enough.

Museum Hours

Monday: 11 a.m – 5 p.m.
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m – 7 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m – 5 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m – 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m – 6 p.m.