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Longevity

Sister AndrÉ, the World’s Oldest Person, Dies at 118: A Life of Resilience and Compassion

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

World’s Oldest Person, a French Nun, Dies at 118

Early Life and Conversion to Catholicism

Lucile Randon, known as Sister André, was born in 1904 to a non-practicing Protestant family. Despite her upbringing, she later converted to Catholicism and joined an ecclesiastical order in 1944. Taking the name André in honor of her deceased brother, she dedicated her life to caring for orphans and elderly people at a local hospital.

Surviving Wars and Pandemics

Sister André’s remarkable life spanned two world wars and multiple pandemics. She witnessed the horrors of war and the devastating impact of the 1918 influenza pandemic. However, her faith and resilience sustained her through these challenges.

Covid-19 Recovery and Final Days

In 2021, at the age of 116, Sister André tested positive for Covid-19. Despite her advanced age, she remained asymptomatic and made a full recovery. During her illness, she expressed more concern for the well-being of her fellow nursing home residents than for her own.

In her final days, Sister André’s thoughts turned to her loved ones who had passed away. She spoke of her desire to join them and expressed her hope that victims of the pandemic would find strength and inspiration in her story.

Legacy of Service and Compassion

Sister André’s life was a testament to the power of service and compassion. For nearly three decades, she dedicated herself to caring for the most vulnerable members of society. Her unwavering faith and her ability to find joy in the face of adversity inspired those around her.

Secrets of Longevity

Although the exact reasons for Sister André’s extraordinary longevity are unknown, she attributed it in part to her faith, her positive outlook, and her moderate consumption of red wine. She also emphasized the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle and surrounding herself with loved ones.

The World’s Oldest People

Sister André held the title of the world’s oldest known person until her passing. The last person to hold that title, Japanese woman Kane Tanaka, died at the age of 119 in 2022. Currently, the world’s oldest person is Maria Branyas Morera, a 115-year-old woman born in the United States and currently living in Spain.

Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Longevity

While genetics undoubtedly play a role in longevity, Sister André’s story suggests that diet and lifestyle also have a significant impact. Her fondness for red wine, as well as her active lifestyle and positive outlook, may have contributed to her long and healthy life.

The End of an Era

With the passing of Sister André, an era has come to an end. She was a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a source of inspiration for countless people around the world. Her legacy of service, compassion, and longevity will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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East Asian Art

Unveiling the Enigmatic ‘Zen Mona Lisa’: A Journey of Art, Zen, and Compassion

by Jasmine
written by Jasmine

The Enigmatic “Zen Mona Lisa”: A Rare Encounter in San Francisco

The Heart of Zen: Unveiling a Masterpiece

San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum has the distinct honor of hosting “The Heart of Zen,” a remarkable exhibition showcasing two exquisite 13th-century ink paintings. The centerpiece of this exhibition is “Six Persimmons,” often hailed as the “Zen Mona Lisa.” This captivating artwork, along with its companion painting “Chestnuts,” has embarked on a rare and brief sojourn from Japan’s Daitokuji Ryokoin temple.

A Masterful Creation by Muqi

The renowned Chinese monk Muqi, who flourished during the late Song dynasty, is the visionary behind these exceptional paintings. His distinctive style, characterized by loose brushstrokes, defied the prevailing artistic norms of his time. Muqi’s unique approach captured the essence of nature and animals with remarkable sensitivity.

A Journey Across Time and Cultures

The journey of “Six Persimmons” and “Chestnuts” to Japan in the 15th or 16th century marked a significant chapter in their history. The paintings found a home at the Daitokuji Ryokoin temple, where they have remained for centuries. This exhibition marks the first time these treasured artworks have left Japan, offering art enthusiasts a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience their profound beauty.

The Essence of Zen

The title “Heart of Zen” aptly captures the essence of these paintings. Muqi’s “Six Persimmons” invites viewers to contemplate the simplicity and purity of the subject matter. By depicting a fruit devoid of symbolic connotations, the painting encourages contemplation of the object’s intrinsic qualities, fostering a heightened awareness of the present moment.

A Moment of Harmony and Peace

Kobori Geppo, the abbot of the Daitokuji Ryokoin temple, was instrumental in bringing this exhibition to San Francisco. Deeply moved by the challenges faced by the city’s homeless population, he believed that sharing these exceptional paintings could inspire empathy and provide a moment of solace amidst life’s tribulations.

The Fragility of Art and the Urgency of Compassion

The delicate nature of these ancient paintings necessitated the brief exhibition window. This limited timeframe serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of art and the importance of seizing the opportunity to connect with its transformative power.

A Legacy of Artistic Influence

Muqi’s groundbreaking style had a profound impact on Japanese art, particularly the development of the Zen-inspired ink painting tradition. His influence can be seen in the works of countless Japanese artists who followed in his footsteps.

Beyond the Brushstrokes: A Call to Action

The exhibition not only showcases two extraordinary works of art but also invites visitors to reflect on the principles of Zen. The paintings’ message of harmony and peace resonates deeply with the challenges faced by San Francisco’s marginalized communities. The exhibition encourages visitors to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Experience the Enchanting “Zen Mona Lisa”

The Asian Art Museum’s “Heart of Zen” exhibition presents an unparalleled opportunity to encounter the enigmatic “Zen Mona Lisa” and its companion painting “Chestnuts.” Visitors will be mesmerized by the simplicity and profound beauty of these 13th-century masterpieces, gaining a deeper understanding of Zen principles and the transformative power of art.

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Asian Art

A Centuries-Old Korean Buddhist Masterpiece: Unveiling ‘Sacred Dedication’

by Zuzana
written by Zuzana

A Rare and Ancient Korean Buddhist Masterpiece Unveiled

A Centuries-Old Treasure

A remarkable Korean Buddhist sculpture, dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), has gone on display at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. This exquisite gilded wooden figure of Gwaneum, the bodhisattva of compassion, is the oldest surviving sculpture of its kind in Korea.

The Compassionate Bodhisattva

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings who choose to remain connected to the material world to help humanity. Gwaneum, also known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit, is the most popular bodhisattva in East Asia. People often turn to Gwaneum for care, kindness, and protection.

Exceptional Craftsmanship

The Goryeo period was a time of great artistic achievement in Korea. The Gwaneum sculpture at the Sackler Gallery is a testament to the skill and artistry of the era’s woodcarvers and gilders. The figure stands two feet tall and is constructed of 15 pieces of fir, held together by staples and nails. It wears an elaborate metal crown and features a crystal urna on its forehead, representing the third eye or vision into the divine world.

Sacred Dedication

When the Gwaneum sculpture was completed in the 13th century, it was filled with sacred texts and symbolic objects, both in its head and body. This act of dedication gave the sculpture spiritual life for believers. The materials transformed it from a mere piece of carved wood into an embodiment of divine presence.

Historical Context

Buddhism reached Korea in the fourth century and became widely practiced by the time the Gwaneum sculpture was created. The sculpture’s rich materials and elaborate craftsmanship suggest that it was commissioned by a wealthy patron, likely a member of the royal court.

During the Goryeo period, Korea faced invasions and occupations, which led to the destruction of much of its material culture, including Buddhist sculptures. The survival of this Gwaneum sculpture is a testament to its enduring significance for the Korean people.

Contemporary Significance

The exhibition of the Gwaneum sculpture at the Sackler Gallery is not only a chance to admire a rare work of art but also an opportunity to learn about the history and significance of Buddhism in Korea. The sculpture is complemented by a scroll from the Freer|Sackler collection, depicting Gwaneum in its dwelling place on the rocks above the sea’s waves.

The juxtaposition of these two depictions of Gwaneum, made within a century of each other, provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the enduring appeal and transformative power of this compassionate bodhisattva.

Additional Highlights

  • Recent research, including X-rays and material analysis, has revealed that the sculpture contains contents from different time periods, indicating that it was opened up and re-dedicated at least once.

  • A 3D scan of the sculpture allows viewers to visualize its construction and the original placement of the dedication materials.

  • In conjunction with the exhibition, Korean Buddhist monks will demonstrate a contemporary dedication ritual, providing visitors with insights into the living traditions of Buddhism.

“Sacred Dedication: A Korean Buddhist Masterpiece” is on view at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery of Art through March 22, 2020.

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