I am amazed that the monastic simplicity of an ancient culture could show up in the twenty first century, with all of its rich symbolism intact. The monks and nuns of today, adorned with the same shaved heads and modestly draped robes as their ancestors, are an enduring reminder to humanity that the practice of loving kindness, forgiveness, and compassion are as essential today as they have always been.
A couple of years ago I created a clay portrait of a sweet little Tibetan monk. Since then, I have sculpted only young monks and nuns. My hope is that the portraits I sculpt would cause all of us to pause and reflect upon our own sense of soulfulness. Perhaps these quiet beings can serve to mirror our own potential for inner calm and peace.
“We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.” Dalai Lama