The Origin of the Buddha Image & Elements of Buddhist IconographyTwo foundational texts, enhanced by a third, "The Nature of Buddhist Art," are concerned not only with providing a language for reading the artistic and linguistic symbols for Buddhism, but also show how these symbols are conducive to self realization, which is the aim of all sacred art. Providing a schema of what is of the utmost value in all the world's great spiritual traditions as they pertain to transforming the understanding life and the spiritual process, clear expositions on the significance of the most profound Buddhist symbols are offered, including the poses, the Lotus (the ground of manifestation), the Bodhi Tree (the Tree of Life synonymous with all existence), and the Wheel (the operation of principles). The portrayal of the "Kingdom of Heaven Within" in Buddhist etymology, iconography, and metaphysics is explored, and this whole cosmology--which would appear to be outward--is revealed to be located within the human heart itself. This work demonstrates that art is not solely for instruction or visual/mental pleasure, but intends to liberate the beholder from the restless activity that obscures reality and inhibits inner peace. |
Contents
DIFFERENTIATION OF INDIAN AND HELLENISTIC TYPES 27 | 53 |
DATING OF GANDHARA AND MATHURA BUDDHAS 33 | |
TREE OF LIFE EARTHLOTUS AND WORDWHEEL 2 | 3 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
actually Agni Amarāvatī Angels aniconic anthropomorphic artist Atharva Veda Awakening axis Bhagavad Gītā Bharhut birth Bodhi-tree Bodhisattva Brahman Bṛhadāraṇyaka Buddha Buddha figures Buddha image Buddhist art Cakravartin centre cetiya Christian cited coins Comprehensor conception corresponds cosmic cult deity dharma Dharmacakra divine early Indian earth Eckhart example existence fact flower Foucher Gandhara Greek Gupta hand Heaven Hellenistic ibid iconography implies India Office photograph Indian art Indra Jaina Jātaka Jina Kanişka later lotus Mahāyāna Maitreya Maitri manifested Māra Mathura means merely mudrā Museum Nāga nature navel Nikāya origin Padmapāņi Pali Parinirvāņa pillar point of view Principle reference regarded representations represented Ṛg Veda Saddharma Sāñcī Sārnāth sculpture seated second century A. D. sense Shingon significance Spirit spoken standing stupa supported Sūtra symbol Tathāgata texts thought throne tion tradition Tree Universe Upanisads vajra Vajrapāņi Vedic VIII Waters Wheel Word worship Yakşa Yakṣas