Art in museums is often weakened by the atmosphere of the building, the presence of other visitors, etc. Despite our guide’s explanations, I could not understand the art emotionally, even though I understood it cognitively. The turning point was the Tibetan shrine room. Among the many relics like rosaries and food offerings, there was also dimmed lighting. The entire atmosphere provided context for the Tibetan gallery as well defining the ethos of the religion. One could imagine meditating here alongside past ascetics turned transcendent sages, immortalized through their statues of Bodhisattvas and Buddhas. It was a nice break from class but as a college student, I have other priorities on my mind.
