Richard Cooler - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Richard Cooler

Journal of Burma Studies, 2019

A posting on Facebook provides an unexpected addition to the publication of “A Buddha Image for E... more A posting on Facebook provides an unexpected addition to the publication of “A Buddha Image for Exorcism,” The Journal of Burma Studies 20, no. 2 (2016): 335–372. The journal article established the identity and manner in which a noncanonical Buddha image was most likely created and used by Buddhist wizards (weikza). These conclusions are now corroborated and expanded by photographs, a video clip, and a note posted by Hla Than Aung (www.facebook.com/ aung.hlathan/posts/1754717078153948; Posted: 9 September 2017; Accessed: 18 February 2019). The image on Facebook, reportedly used especially for exorcism, is clearly akin to that in the Burma Art Collection, Northern Illinois University (NIU), although it is more recently and crudely cast in a silver-colored metal rather than bronze. The iconography and dress are alike: the standing image holds a myrobalan fruit in each hand, the left hand extended forward; the right, not left, shoulder is covered by the robe (the sanghati robe is not indicated); there are four (instead of nine) sa, da, ba, wa “in” or cabalistic squares on the chest and back and on both palms; bits along the inner margin of the middle finger on the right hand are missing (deliberately removed?); the hair of both figures resembles a cap, and on the internet image there may be an addition to the original; a wide belt girds the figure and there is a “relic” or “philosopher stone” pellet inside. Hla Than Aung notes:

Journal of Burma Studies, 2016

In 2006, while examining items in an antique shop in Greenville, South Carolina, I was surprised ... more In 2006, while examining items in an antique shop in Greenville, South Carolina, I was surprised to discover a small image of the Buddha with markedly unorthodox features. Motivated to explore the meaning of these aberrations, I acquired it (Fig. 1 ad). Subsequent efforts to establish its meaning and purpose are the subject of this article, assisted by several recent publications, especially those documenting contemporary Buddhist weikza (weizza) practice. 1 The iconography of this bronze Burmese Buddha image is unusual in that it does not follow the normative dictates of Theravada Buddhist practice: the standing image compellingly offers with each hand, a medicinal fruit, a myrobalan. 2 Both hands are extended outward in notably different gestures while, remarkably, the palm of each hand displays a magical, quadripartite design, an in, one of nine that appear

Journal of Burma Studies, 1997

This article examines unusual features of various religious buildings located at Pagan, such as b... more This article examines unusual features of various religious buildings located at Pagan, such as below-ground monasteries and brick-lined water-catchment basins, to establish that low rainfall of less than 24 inches annually was a constant in the local climate throughout the Pagan period. Confirming this fact sheds light on the critical role the construction of religious structures played in linking the inadequately watered capital to outlying irrigated agricultural lands, thus ensuring the necessary provision offood to the city. As the population of Pagan grew, the need to increase food supplies from the outlying areas created an incentiveforfocusing the practice of the Merit Path to Salvation on the erection of still more religious buildings, thus creating the "forest of temples" seen at Pagan today. The ancient city of Pagan is located in the most arid area of central Burma in a desiccated landscape that is an unlikely location for the capital of a country during its most prosperous golden age.1 Even the casual visitor is surprised and impressed not only by the multitude of religious buildings located there, but also by the apparently inhospitable environment in which they were erected. Dr. Richard Cooler received his doctoral degree in art history with an emphasis on Burma and Thailand from Cornell University. He is an art professor and the director of the Center for Burma Studies at Northern Illinois University. His research interests include the study and excavation of Burmese statues.

The Journal of Asian Studies, 1995

The Journal of Asian Studies, 2002

morning. I learned from him how to treat my own students and tried my best to follow his path. Ed... more morning. I learned from him how to treat my own students and tried my best to follow his path. Edward Wagner dedicated his life to the understanding and elucidation of Korean life, and his loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him and worked along with him in that endeavor.