Sera: The Way of the Tibetan Monk
1st May – 13th August 2006

Sera: The Way of the Tibetan Monk, an exhibition of photographic images by Shelia Rock opens at the Museum of East Asian Art, Bath on 1st May 2006. As Shelia explores the strength and resilience of the Buddhist tradition, her display of black and white portraits provides a captivating glance into the world of the re-established Sera Jey Tibetan Monastery in India. These beautiful and inspiring photographs include images of daily rituals and sacred ceremonies, as well as capturing serious moments, playful gestures, and natural sincere expressions.

Tibet was once home to thousands of thriving Buddhist monasteries. However, in 1959 following a Tibetan uprising against the Chinese occupation, the practice of Buddhism was banned. In March of that year, the Chinese military overran the 540 year old Sera Jay monastery near the Tibetan capital of Lhasa and many ancient artefacts and manuscripts were destroyed. The Dalai Lama was forced into exile and, along with many hundreds of monks, fled over the mountain passes to neighbouring India.

The Sera Jey Monastery, now re-established near Mysore (South India), houses over 5,000 Buddhist monks including many who escaped the assault on the Tibetan monastery in 1959 and many more who have never known their ancestral homeland. Providing an intimate glimpse of this rarely seen world, these photographs celebrate the tranquillity and simple life of the monks that have steadfastly carried on the legacy of the original Sera Jey.

Sheila Rock is represented by the print sales gallery of The Photographer's Gallery (020 7831 1772).

This exhibition is on show until 13th August.