Michael Naparstek provides a glimpse into the world of sacred images and the rituals that breathe life into them, offering insights into the profound connections between the divine, the material world, and the shared human experience.
Naparstek’s research focuses on how Asian religious contexts express the divine through visual culture.
He highlights Hindu “darśan” and Theravada Buddhist rituals, revealing transformative practices that recharge the power of statues.
Japanese Buddhist rituals are also explored, demonstrating how inanimate objects can become living entities capable of sensory experiences.
Central to Naparstek’s narrative is the “eye-opening” ceremony, a meticulous ritual where monks paint pupils to awaken the eyes of sacred images.
Specific rituals like the netra-pinkama in Sri Lanka and “kaiguang” in Taiwan are also detailed, showcasing the profound transformations these ceremonies bring to once lifeless objects.
As the post concludes, Naparstek emphasizes the transformative nature of consecration rituals, turning inanimate objects into living beings capable of powerful deeds.
The care and respect with which these activated objects are treated reflect a deep belief in their living presence.
Naparstek suggests that sacred images, by seemingly looking back at observers, convey a message of shared existence and an acknowledgment of diverse perspectives.
