Unlike Esoteric Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism reveres Amida Buddha. Its art is,
Unlike Esoteric Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism reveres Amida Buddha. Its art is,
While each school believes in the correctness of the path, they do not see a distinction between themselves and other Buddhists. The three major schools of Buddhism are the Theravada, The Mahayana, and the Vajrayana. The Theravada, or the way of the elders, is the oldest of the three major Buddhist traditions. Theravada is known for its focus of the monastic life, and for deliberate conservatism towards any change. Theravada Buddhists believe only a monk may achieve nirvana, and only men can live a monastic life. In response to the limited access to the divine in Theravada Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism, or Big Vehicle, found a home in China and Japan, with a focus on elaborate ritual, esoteric beliefs and a path to nirvana for all, rather than just monastics. In Mahayana Buddhism, there is the belief of beings just beneath Buddha, known as Bodhisattvas, which refrain from leaving the cycle of rebirth in order to return and lead others to nirvana. When Mahayana Buddhism traveled to Tibet and fused with local spiritual religions, Vajrayana Buddhism was conceived. Vajrayana Buddhism, or the Diamond Vehicle, expands on the esoteric nature of Mahayana Buddhism while blending in Tibetan Shamanism and Tantric beliefs. Vajrayana Buddhists believe that with correct ritual and sacred objects, the blessings of Buddha, and the bodhisattvas can be obtained, and empower the believer (Molloy,…
Alongside more whimsical, flowy Chinese iconography in the murals behind the Buddha, the halo that appears on the Buddha stretches upwards, meeting a lotus carving in the center of the ceiling, deities raining down from above with whimsical flowy trails. During this period, many Chinese artisans learned Buddhist culture, practices, and art trades. Allowing them to merge two incredibly different styles (McIntire, 2015). There is a 48-year difference between construction. Buddhism gained immense popularity in both Northern and Southern China during the beginning of the Northern Wei Dynasty.…
Many missionaries, travelers brought Buddhist sculptures in the luggages and wanderer who carried duplicate products of famous figures from India or Asia. These items had great effective with the Chinese architecture also, which were able to help to set up shrines building in the traditional Chinese style such as the temple became a palace with grarden and gallaries (Michael Sullivan, 113). These were venerated by most of the Chinese. They made a series of temple of Buddhism and enornous figures that were be a memorial of Buddhism. They carved the roakwall to make a huge image of Buddism. Moreover, the carving was more decorated and specific design in the caves. The most suprme example of Chinese buddhism art is sakyamuni and prahhutaratna because it represent the influence on sculpture of the seeping rhythms of the painter’s brush is very precise when the air of spiriturality is continuesly enhanced by the wonderful linear elegance (Michael Sullivan, 120). Buddist architecture, sculpture, and painting were all created by China and the experssion in linear rhythm and great synthesis produced the basis of all Buddhist scupture and painting in…
Buddhism originated in India in the sixth century B.C.E. and was brought to China by the first century C.E. Overtime, many Chinese people converted to Buddhism, especially after the fall of the Han dynasty. During the Era of Division between 220 C.E. and 570 C.E., many Confucian and Buddhist scholars viewed Buddhism as a positive, unifying force for China during that tough time of instability because it gave the people something to look to for hope. However, after 570 C.E., Confucian scholars started rejecting Buddhism, feeling that it was becoming a threat to the scholar-gentry class and the Confucian-based Chinese society as a whole. Despite this change of opinion about Buddhism after 570 C.E., some scholars continued to feel that Buddhism benefitted China due to its values and teachings. One additional document that could be useful would be one from the point of view of a peasant to see the way Buddhism effected the lower classes of China before and after 570 C.E. and to see if they saw Buddhism as a positive or negative factor in their lives.…
As an expressive compilation of all beliefs of Buddhism, Wesak incorporates all it means to be a Buddhist: the Three Jewels, the Four Noble Truths, and the Eightfold path. The commemorating festival of the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha employs ritual practices to outwardly express and inwardly contemplate their commitment and yearning to reach enlightenment. In expression of the 3 Jewels, adherents kneel and bow 3 times a day, taking the 3 refugees “I take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha”. Puja is the act of showing reverence to a ‘god’ like creature, but because Buddhists do not worship the Buddha himself, concentration goes to connecting to his spiritual wisdom and to one’s self, as communicated in the Dharma: “Without morning meditation each day, I cannot find a sense of contentedness within myself” - Ketut Sandhiartha. As prayer, Puja is portrayed through communal chanting, individual meditation and devotional offerings to a symbol of Buddha. These offerings themselves also express Buddhist beliefs, with the example of gifts of incense symbolising both the spreading of ‘the fragrance of pure moral conduct’ as well as burning symbolising impermanence. The ‘Bathing of the Buddha, A Mahayana ritual, whereby Buddhists pour water over a statue of the Buddha, purifies the mind from inner thoughts, allowing internal balance. The four noble truths is the knowledge of the unsatisfactory nature of life, which leads to suffering (dukkha). Through reflection and prostration before images of Buddha, these truths, that dukkha exists due to impermanence (anicca), with the only release being Nirvana (the overcoming of desire), are comprehended properly, giving purpose and direction in life. During Wesak, the Eightfold path is reaffirmed as the way to reach Nirvana, with adherents aiming to correct their lives to imitate the 8 laws. By adhering to these guidelines, along with living in accordance with the Middle Way, Buddhists are guaranteed that…
Since the arrival of Christian missionaries in the East in the 13th century, followed by the arrival of Buddhism in Western Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, similarities were perceived between the practices of Buddhism and Christianity.[1][2] During the 20th century the differences between these two belief systems were also highlighted.[3]…
Pureland Buddhism arose during the degenerate age (Mappo), which caused everyone to believe that society will begin to disappear and that morals were in danger. A focus to a single Buddha was created in order to control society and bring them to have no other distractions. This savior- like figure was known as the Amida Buddha and was known to be in the “land of bliss” (Poceski 2009: pg. 158). Two major founders are associated with the traditions and practices of Pureland and those are Honen and Shinran. Pureland Buddhism is known as “the land of bliss” because of the full completion of the dharma and the praising of the Amida Buddha (Ellwood 2016:…
Both pieces of artwork I have chosen are Bodhisattvas. To understand these pieces it is important to have a slight understanding of the Buddhist religion and some of its ideals and practices. Buddhism datesback to the fifth century BCE. Siddhartha Gautama, son of a ruler of India, had foretold at his birth by seers that he would either become a Buddha or a great ruler (Hagen, 26). After a shelter upbringing that his father hoped would shape him into a leader like himself, Siddhartha left his home at the age of 29 and wandered in the forest meditating. It was at this point that he achieved enlightenment and thus became a Buddha. After this he began his teaching based on four noble truths (Hagen, 33). The entire religion is based off of principles of education, generosity, giving, and sacrifice. From these principles we derive the being called a Bodhisattva. A bodhisattva is an enlightened being who chooses not to reach nirvana in order that they maystay to help others on their path to achieving nirvana (Fuchuan, 15). This ultimate sacrifice goes to the core of their religion (Fredericks, 87).…
Buddhism and Daoism are both religions of the Chinese people. These are two of many religions of the massive world we live in. each of them are distinctive, but greatly influenced the lives of their followers and the society in which the belief systems are practiced. Buddhists follow the Four Noble Truths and the Taoists follow the Four Major Taoist Principles.…
A mandala, a concentric structure that offer balancing visuals, symbolizing unity and harmony. Each individual mandala can have different meanings, but its goal is usually to symbolize something or someone. For example, my illustrations on my mandala represents a basic concept of who I am. In my mandala, it looks similar to Yin and Yang ; One side portrays me while the other side shows my opposite. Using the symbols of an animal, a plant, a color, a number, weather, a shape, and a phenomenon, I drew pictures that I thought would represent me strongly.…
There are over 7 billion people on this world and over four-fifths of these people identify with a religion in one way or another (Livingston). Upon the hundreds of religions on Earth it is difficult to even begin to comprehend all their most basic beliefs, their scriptures, or even to whom they worship. The least any person can do is to learn about one of them and understand their belief system. During an assignment for school I was required to immerse my-self in a totally different religious belief system in order to acquire a greater knowledge of what it is like for humans to have religion and to have a deeper understanding of the belief system of another religion. I personally have always wanted to understand Buddhism and what it was like to be Buddhist. For my research I chose to go to the Wat Buddharangsi of Miami where I chose to take a meditation class which was open to the public and was the only ceremony outside from being a monk that I was allowed to witness and participate in. Before I took the meditation class I spoke with one of the monks that reside at this temple who allowed me full disclosure to any questions I was curious about. I learned so much during my visit that I found a greater respect for religion and its many groups of people who reside in each and every one of them.…
The number one hundred and eight plays a vital role not only in Buddhism as a religion, but also in its artwork. It is considered sacred to the religion as a whole and has different implications in different countries. There are also deities that have different forms that incorporate the number. The number can be seen in various spiritual practices and theories, as well as in many monuments and objects. While the origin of this sacred number may be hard to pin point, it’s significance is still obvious throughout the religion.…
Buddhism is a religion that focuses more on the individual and the actions of that individual, which was prevalent to me when I made my way into Portland and set foot in a Buddhist temple. The man I met within the walls of this temple was far from my stereotypical thoughts of Buddhist monks. The man I met looked like your plain old, average Joe, American man. Before I delve into the depths of my visit to this inspiring place, I need to sum up the Buddhist religion and why I chose to study this particular group of people.…
The beauty that radiates from the temple is a wonder feeling that left me with a jaw dropping moment. It also gave off a sense of peace and calm, and a feeling of being safe. As I approached the temple it has lovely green gardens to both sides, with little Buddha’s everywhere and a wise saying to the right. It stated, “the best thing in the world is happiness, the noblest deed in the world is forming affinities”, I knew at that moment, I was in a peaceful place. There were stairs leading up to the temple, and I wanted to make sure I took all of them. As I approached the first building known as the Bodhisattva Hall, the delightful smell of the incents burned for the Dharma protectors, and the two green dogs, known as the guardians who are meant to protect, as well. Inside this hall are five statues that are Buddha’s in training that each has a specific significance. Samantabhadra Bodhisattva is a symbol for disciple and practice in our daily lives. Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has commited himself to taking away suffering. Maitreya Bodhisattva, also know as the Happy Buddha, simply means prosperity and generosity. Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) Bodhisattva symbolizes compassion and loving-kindness. Manjusri Bodhisattva symbolizes great wisdom and the teachings of staying away from wrongdoing. I observed prayer and offerings in this hall. For twelve dollars you can purchase a plate with fruit, a flower, candy, and bracelet…
Avalokiteśvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. Portrayed in different cultures as either male or female. The original name for this bodhisattva was Avalokitasvara. The Chinese name for Avalokiteśvara is Guānshìyīn Púsà , which is a translation of the earlier name "Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva." This bodhisattva is variably depicted as male or female, and may also be referred to simply as Guānyīn.…