107-236 Yoga and Asian Art

Usually 12.5 points of first-year art history.

The influence of yoga can be discerned in the practices and beliefs of Asia's major religions and understood through well-preserved religious literature. Concurrently carvings, paintings and sculpture provide a visual record of the history of these religions and through their iconography an understanding of the role yoga played in their genesis. This subject will elaborate how the philosophical and physical discipline of yoga has informed the major religions of Asia and how this has been visualised in the arts. The study will provide a foundation for an understanding of the arts of Asia and the philosophical beliefs underpinning their expression. Students should gain familiarity with the meaning of yogic posture and gesture and the role breath plays in vitalising form. There will be the opportunity to explore issues such as, the symbolism of yogic postures, how the soul is visualised, how sculptures are vitalised by breath, yoga and classical Indian dance as well as how Yoga relates to the religious beliefs of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Matters that will be considered include: history and philosophy of yoga, the different forms of yoga, Buddhist yoga, yogic posture, gesture and breath, yoga and classical Indian dance, kundalini & tantric yoga, Zen yoga and the meditative state.

• be able to conduct independent research using catalogued sources and bibliographic indexes;

• have developed their ability to think creatively and express their ideas clearly in written communication;

• have developed their skills in verbal communication and oral presentation.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising a research of a single artwork of 1500 words 37.5% (due during the semester) and a research essay of 2500 words 62.5% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.