The initial idea for this exhibition was twofold, bring the Buddhist Dharma to Batesville in a unique way and use small art works as the vehicle for expressing this dharma. I approached Ken Adler and Gary Harris about participating in the show. Because both of them are deeply spiritual and creative individuals I believe each has approached the theme in an open ended way.

The Title for the exhibition Burning Buddha in Batesville initally brings to mind the 1963 photograph of the self-immolation of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc. While this act was appalling to and often misunderstood by the American people the protest was an act of compassion by Thich for the Vietnamese Buddhists who were oppressed by the American backed South Vietnam’s Ngo Dinh Diem government. This act of compassion was also extended to the oppressors. Another important element underlining this exhibition is the Zen Koan by Zen Master Lin Chi, “If you meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha. If you meet a Patriarch, Kill the Patriarch.” His intention is not to condone murder but to help us see beyond extermal influences and find the Buhhda within.

I asked Ken and Gary to approach the theme with a sense of seriousness and a hint of the whimsical. Hopefully appreciating the external rituals and dogmas of their religious traditions whether Christian, Jew, Buddhist, Hindi or Muslim while at the same time not taking them so seriously. Their work reflects instead the internal stirrings that are found within each tradition. To burn the Buddha is to trust and listen to the silence within.

I would like to thank the staff at the Mabbe-Simpson Library, especially Dean Covington, Director and Camille Beary, Assistant Director for allowing me to run with the idea for the exhibition.

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