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.
Codes of Conduct, Ways of Life
Secret texts of cultivated practices in movement traditions
Dance as Knowledge, Part Three: Building a Research Team
Mudra & The Diamond Spheres research celebration to be held on 21 October
Dance as Knowledge, Part Two: Wu Nuo
Tracing the pre-Buddhist antecedents of ceremonial tantric dance practices
Dance as Knowledge, Part One
Insight into dance scholarship and wisdom derived from ancient dance traditions
Buddhist Opera?
Modern expressions of Buddhism’s transcendent cultural unity
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