Buddhism in Mongolia exhibit at Pictura Gallery/FAR (Bloomington, IN)

I am pleased to announce that I will be exhibiting my images from Mongolia at Pictura Gallery/FAR in Bloomington, IN on Friday, May 3rd 2019. The exhibit is a “pop-up” style exhibit and will be shown for one night only from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Resident monks from Kumbum Chamtse Ling monastery will be present to answer questions about the monastic life led by monks in Mongolia and to provide their insights into Buddhism for those in attendance. Kumbum Chamtse Ling monastery is located on the grounds of the Tibetan Buddhist Mongolian Cultural Center in Bloomington, IN. The monks will also provide milk tea and momos (meat and vegetarian style will be available).

In a world that is preoccupied with the future, the Buddhist monks of Mongolia focus on living in the present moment; they work not for recognition or affluence but for the benefit of all humanity.  Their efforts are focused on helping to bring about the intention that is addressed in Buddhist sutras:  “May all sentient beings be free from suffering and its causes.”

It is their dedication to peace – both inner peace and peace in our volatile world – that drew me to these holy men and inspired me to undertake an ongoing documentary project that chronicles their lives and work.

One of the greatest challenges in photographing Buddhist monks can be access.  Photographic access is not impossible, though; with the assistance of my Mongolian guide and interpreter, access to photograph was almost always granted once my intentions and my project had been explained.

In photographing the monks of Mongolia my intent was to illustrate the religious beliefs, cultural tenets and monastic lifestyle of these holy men who dedicate every waking hour to the pursuit of inner peace and to perpetuating peace in our world.

If my photographic endeavors in some small way aid the monks in their purpose, I will have succeeded in my efforts and hopefully will have honored their work.

Pictura Gallery/FAR is located at 202 S. Rogers Street in Bloomington, IN. For more information, you may call the gallery at 812-336-0000 or visit their website at http://www.thefar.org/calendar/allen-yates-brick-gallery-opening/