Puja and Piety

“(We must)...dive into the ocean of forms (rupa) to acquire the pearl of formlessness (arupa)!” — Gitanjali, Rabindranath Tagore (1851-1941)

This exhibition celebrates the diversity of South Asian art by examining the relationship between aesthetic expression and devotional practice, or puja, in three native religions of the Indian subcontinent. Puja is the devotional act of worshipping a god or deified teacher through invocations, prayers, songs, and rituals. Through puja, devotees strive to make a spiritual connection with the divine. This connection is commonly facilitated through an icon, either an element from nature or a man-made representation in sculpture, painting, or print. The works exhibited here reflect the collective devotion of the patrons, artists, and worshippers.

Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism share a common heritage and, in some cases, share deities and even iconography. All believe in a cycle of birth and rebirth, influenced by the effects of an individual’s actions and aitudes, a concept known as karma. The ultimate goal of the three religions is to break the bondage of rebirth and achieve a transcendental state of liberation. Each religion offers distinct paths to achieve this spiritual goal.

In India today, Hinduism and Jainism continue their vibrant traditions, while Buddhism is experiencing a revival aer disappearing from its homeland centuries ago, though with enduring reception throughout Asia and other parts of the world.

As one of the major presentations of the Museum’s 75th-anniversary year, Puja and Piety showcases the collection area that has expanded the most in recent years. Drawn primarily from the permanent collection, and augmented by loans from private lenders who are longtime patrons of the Museum, the exhibition presents some 160 works of diverse media, created over the past two millennia for temples and shrines, home worship, and festivals.

Gallery Tours

July

2, 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 21, 23, 24, 27, 30, 31 - noon

August

4, 7, 9, 12, 14, 17, 25, 27, 28 - noon