Sacred Objects in Secular Spaces
Book Description
When sacred artifacts from Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh traditions find themselves behind museum glass, profound questions emerge about their true nature and meaning. Do these objects retain their spiritual power when removed from temples and shrines, or do they transform into something entirely different in secular exhibition spaces?
Sacred Objects in Secular Spaces explores this fascinating intersection where spirituality meets scholarship, bringing together religious studies experts and museum professionals to examine how we understand and present objects of deep religious significance. The contributors delve into the complex identities these artifacts hold, questioning whether they remain sacred, become purely artistic, or somehow embody both qualities simultaneously depending on who encounters them.
This groundbreaking collection examines the entire lifecycle of religious objects, from their origins in spiritual communities to their current roles in modern museums. The authors wrestle with fundamental concepts of sacred versus profane, religious versus secular, offering fresh perspectives on how these categories shape our understanding of Asian religious traditions.
For those interested in the material dimensions of spiritual practice, this work provides valuable insights into how religious meaning travels across cultural boundaries. The book addresses crucial questions about representation, interpretation, and the responsibility museums bear when displaying objects that continue to hold profound significance for living faith communities.
Through careful analysis of these complex dynamics, readers gain deeper appreciation for the ongoing spiritual lives of sacred objects in our contemporary world.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~6 hours)
📄 Length: 216 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Understand Buddhist philosophy and practice
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Religious articles
- ✓ Explore Museums
- ✓ Explore ART / Museum Studies
- ✓ Understand Hindu philosophy and traditions
- ✓ Explore Religion and culture
- ✓ Explore Buddhism
