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Sagi Mai: Dance of the White Heron
Sagi Mai brings protection and blessings, just as the beautiful herons appear on the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto
As a religious, philosophical, and ritual expression, dance has an important role in the practice of Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, and other Asian belief systems. Long unbroken transmissions of movement forms are reflected in religious artistic depictions, where performative iconography is mystical code as well as movement illustration.
In his column Ancient Dances, Joseph Houseal looks at the aspects of dance and spirituality to enhance practice and appreciation among readers, and to raise cultural awareness in our changing world. He uses dance as a lens to explore states of consciousness and symbolic representations.
Ancient Dances is published monthly.
Sagi Mai brings protection and blessings, just as the beautiful herons appear on the banks of the Kamo River in Kyoto
Sustaining an ancient and sacred tantric dance lineage in Bhutan
Exploring an ancient and rarely seen Buddhist naked dance ritual in remote Bhutan
Exploring historic relics and modern manifestations of an ancient tantric heritage in Bhutan
Beginning a new series on the ancient cultural and Buddhist heritage of Nabji in Bhutan
An examination of survival and continuity for endangered Buddhist dance traditions
Exploring an ancient Japanese art form heralding peace and abundance
Art, expression, and liberation in ancient dance
Secret texts of cultivated practices in movement traditions
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Tracing the pre-Buddhist antecedents of ceremonial tantric dance practices
Insight into dance scholarship and wisdom derived from ancient dance traditions