Wellcome Collection – 'Tibets Secret Temple' exhibition, London

About the Wellcome Collection

The Wellcome Collection is often missed by those looking for a gallery to visit in London. Set within an impressive building opposite from Euston Station, the Wellcome Collection includes permanent exhibitions celebrating the life of its founder Henry Wellcome, while exploring  issues relating to the human body and medicine. More than just a gallery, it is home to an expansive library and the Wellcome Trust (named after founder Henry Wellcome), which provides funds to provide research on human and animal health.

What's On at the Wellcome Collection

Throughout the year, the Wellcome Collection has a fantastic programme of touring exhibitions,  all of which have a loose link with science and medicine. Having visited many times over the years,  I have learnt about a variety of interesting topics including lucid dreaming, the history of drug taking and sexuality. ​ I'd definitely recommend the Wellcome Collection to anyone seeking an alternative experience to traditional museums in London.

Tibet's Secret Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism (From now until 28 Feb 2016)

From now until 28th of February 2016, visitors to the Wellcome Collection can see the exhibition 'Tibet's Secret Temple: Body, Mind and Meditation in Tantric Buddhism', which explores Tibetan Buddhist yogic and meditational practice and their connections to physical and mental wellbeing.

​Inspired by a series of 17th century murals from a private meditation chamber for Tibet’s Dalai Lamas in Lhasa’s Lukhang Temple, the exhibition features 120 objects and ritual artefacts. Through these objects, visitors will uncover unseen stories behind the ancient practices illustrated in the Lukhang murals and show their relevance to  meditative wellbeing.

​‘I have seen in my wanderings great temples and shrines but none are as blissful as my own body’ - Mahasidda Saraha (18th century)

‘Having meditated on gentleness and compassion I have forgotten the difference between myself and others.’ - Milarepa (11th century)

What to expect at the exhibition...

As you enter the exhibition, there are two large screens showing different views of the same scene to  instantly transport you to Tibet. There is a serenity to the film, which is evidenced in its slow pace and its focus on art, nature and people praying. In addition to the film, a vast map of Tibet, which covers an entire wall, further helps to set the scene.

As you wander through the exhibition, you will learn about Tantric Buddhism through dramatic sculptures and detailed images of the body showing a complex networks of channels, which helps one understand how the Tibetan’s view disease as blocked energy channels, thereby highlighting the importance of yoga and breathing as an essential part in taking care of one's health.

The exhibition finishes with stunning backlit murals, which influenced the exhibition, and a fascinating video presentation, which features academics and Tibetan masters talking about the benefits of meditation for both children and adults.

Food for thought...

The exhibition is punctuated with poignant quotes, which provides food for thought for  the lesser mortals of this world -even if you have no idea what it truly means.
 
After my visit, I came away feeling truly enlightened, which inspired me to add Tibet to my list of must-see places.  I also made note of the upcoming Neuroplasticity and Meditation workshop in February 2016, so 2016 could be my most inspirational year yet! 
 
Elinor Seath


For a  list of upcoming events and exhibitions, visit www.wellcomecollection.org.

Wellcome Collection
183 Euston Road
London 
NW1 2BE