
Ancient Dances
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.


The Secret of the Golden Flower, Part Two
An ancient and experiential practice of the mind and realization

The Secret of the Golden Flower, Part One
An ancient practice for experiencing primal consciousness

Buddhism and the Martial Arts: A Conversation with Scott Park Phillips
An exploration of the long relationship between Buddhism and the martial arts

Wisteria Maiden in a Rock Garden
Impressions of Buddhism and personal spirituality reflected.

Be Inspired
The path toward artistic practice, personal growth, and transformation


Mario Fantin: Mountaineers, Ethnography, and Buddhism
Authentic encounters with vanishing worlds

Mongolia: A Complex Dance Survival
Sustaining an ancient legacy

Mongolian Tsam, Socialist Realism: People’s Painter Urjingiin Yadamsuren
One of the great ethnographers of Buddhist…

Three Aspects of Buddhist Dance
Dance actual, dance depicted, and dance ephemeral . . .

The Secret Life of Collections
Insights into Czech cultural connections with Buddhist…