Booklist Review

Buddhism, rooted in "the philosophy of living in balance," was embraced across Asia some 2,500 years ago, evolving and inspiring a "plethora of diverse mysticism, sculpture, and iconography." Followers of the three main sects, Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, embrace Buddhism's core principles, "the four noble truths, the eightfold path and believe in the cycle of karma and rebirth." Woodward explains the key role art plays in Buddhist rituals, ceremonies, and meditation, then presents more than 300 works that exemplify Buddhist art, each reproduced in gloriously rich detail. The paintings, sculptures, scrolls, and artifacts from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Tibet, China, Korea, Thailand, and Japan, display a grand array of styles, interpretations, and consummate skills. Woodward begins with intricate, entrancing mandalas and moves on to exquisite sculptures, resplendently varied depictions of the Buddha, deities, bodhisattvas, monks, and lamas. Some are dramatic, even frightening, others are elegant or sensual, all thrum with energy and awe. Each work is accompanied by a succinct, informative description charged with Woodward's knowledge and passion. From the esoteric to the deeply human, these keenly curated spiritual creations are dazzling and transcendent.