This exhibit follows the 18-year journey of 7th Century Chinese monk XuanZang (Husan Tsang) as he sets out to understand and unify the many different Buddhist sects throughout China, India, Afghanistan and Pakistan. That journey is divided into a five-part picture exhibition, which includes professional photos of statues and modern day peoples of these countries. The exhibit is bubbling with smiling guides eager to walk with you and briefly detail the plight of XuanZang through each of the five regions. The tour should take about an hour and is very informative. As of this Jan, 2006, it has run already in N. Cal, is running now in S. Cal and will be coming soon to NY and Texas (see below).

Tzu Chi is a wonderful organization doing great work throughout the world. I, myself, have friends in the organization and have been fortunate enough to assist them in small ways as they help in big ways folks in need all around the globe. If you're in Monterey Park, California -- stop by Evergreen Book Store and have a look. Also, if you like Chinese food, let me recommend a restaurant just across the street from the book store -- NYC seafood. We ate there after the exhibit - the sautéed rockfish and broccoli we're very nice and just $7.95 at dinnertime.

This exhibit's opening weekend enjoyed a variety of interesting lectures. Fortunately, I was available to attend the following: Prof. Vinay Lal (UCLA) Buddhism in Indian Society: The Seventh Century and the Present. In brief, Prof. Vinay Lal described Buddhism's likely eradication from India -- it's birth country -- and then how it had come back to return. The session lacked visuals, but the professor spoke with great passion and knowledge.

This exhibit runs: Jan 14-22, 2006 in Monterey Park, California 909-447-7799
March, 2006 in Flushing, NY (Tzu Chi Northeast Region) 718-460-4590
May, 2006 in Houston, Texas (Chinese Cultural Center) 713-981-8966

For more information on this event click here.

Evergreen Books Exhibition Hall
760 W. Garvey Ave.
Monterey Park, Ca 91754