Devotion, Eternalism, Conservation

This richly illustrated presentation shares 55 years of Buddhist sacred art conservation in museums, monasteries, and their communities. Advised by Buddhist teachers, Ann Shaftel’s on-site work combines devotion and meditation practice, evolving science, digital technology and AI, with respect for tradition.

The Buddhist tenet of impermanence is profoundly relevant in conservation, with a middle way approach between eternalism or nihilism.

Shaftel’s on-site work in Nepal, Bhutan, India and China on the Tibetan plateau will be featured, followed by time for lively discussion.

Speaker: ANN SHAFTEL, Art Conservator

Ann Shaftel MSc, MA, is Fellow of the American Institute for Conservation, Fellow of International Institute for Conservation, and a member of Canadian Association of Professional Conservators, ICOM and ICOMOS. Since 1970, Ann has worked internationally for conservation of Buddhist art with museums, universities, monasteries, and communities. Her work is widely referenced by international scholars and advised by Buddhist teachers.

Established in 1970, Treasure Caretaker Training (TCT) is a non-profit organization dedicated to working closely with nuns and monks for the preservation of Buddhist treasures in monasteries and communities. The TCT website contains the Preservation of Buddhist Treasures Resource, a free, online reference with practical information for the preservation of thangka, texts, and other sacred art. It is written in direct response to questions asked by monastics in remote and urban areas. Preservation workshops in monasteries are ongoing in Nepal, Bhutan, India, and on the Tibetan Plateau.