
Immortality and Invincibility, Part Two: Notions of the Body, Concrete and Subtle
Conceiving the human form in Buddhist and Taoist thought
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.

Conceiving the human form in Buddhist and Taoist thought

Ambitious photographic glimpses of the Himalayan…

At the confluence of Taoism and Buddhism

Explorers, adventurers, and dancers: divining the Dharma


Portraying the dance of a natural, spiritual wisdom

A Look at large Buddhist rituals in Tibetan China


When avant-garde theater and Chinese art collide

Spiritual healing, transmissions, and…

Shamanic healers and tantric rituals

Healing mantras and tantric connections