Unplug, step away from the chaos, and embark on a journey of self-knowledge and transformation with Awaken. Through the audio guide, you’ll learn how powerful artworks help practitioners develop awareness and recognize that everything is interconnected. Inspired by the journey to awakening, you may begin to realize that your own perspective is changing and glimpse into what is known as the awakened state of mind.


Track 600 - Introduction to Awaken


Track 601 - Facing Chaos


Track 602 - Snake Goddess Manasa and Green Tara


Track 603 - The Buddhist Teachings


Track 604 - Preparing for the Journey


Track 605 - Approaching the Mandala


Track 606 - At the Threshold of the Mandala


Track 607 - Within the Palace


Track - 608 At the Core of the Mandala


Track 609 - Nonduality


Track 610 - Awakening

Awaken:A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment was originally curated by John Henry Rice, E. Rhodes and Leona B. Carpenter Curator of South Asian and Islamic Art, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and Jeffrey Durham, Associate Curator of Himalayan Art, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco.

Curated for the Rubin Museum of Art by Elena Pakhoutova, Curator of Himalayan Art, Rubin Museum of Art.

Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment is organized by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Awaken: A Tibetan Journey Toward Enlightenment is supported by Barbara Bowman, the Ellen Bayard Weedon Foundation, The Prospect Hill Foundation, Bob and Lois Baylis, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, as well as by generous donations from the Museum’s Board of Trustees, individual donors, and members.

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