Imaging Wisdom

This book, at its broadest, contributes to the ongoing expansion of history of religions as well as Buddhist studies. It focuses on a neglected aspect of religious experience: visual imagery. This study is meant to be of interest to all who are interested in Buddhism. It is also relevant to scholars and students interested in religion in general. This book focuses on Buddhist visual practices that surround the visual representation of one central concept, prara, or wisdom, in medieval North India. Prajna was more than an intellectual goal or spiritual goal. Wisdom is not only a quality that can be visualised and responded to ritually, but also a presence to be revered in the same way as Buddha. This book examines how prajna was used to produce and display artisticimages in Buddhist religious practice during medieval India.