Buddhism
Lastly, we want to discuss how the movement of people can help communicate the myths and stories from one community to far away places. A good example of this is how Buddhism spread across the world. Buddhism began in India with Siddhartha Gautama. Researchers believe Siddhartha was born to a royal family in the sixth century BCE in Nepal. After his birth, a seer predicted that he would be a great religious teacher or a great ruler; his father wanted him to be a ruler, so he kept his son inside the palace for years. When Siddhartha grew up, he secretly left the palace and found people suffering and dying. After he left the palace at the age of 29, Siddartha meditated and fasted. Six years later, meditating under the Bodhi tree, Siddartha reached enlightenment. Siddhartha then became known as the Buddha (“Enlightened One”) or even Buddha Shakyamuni (“Shakyamuni” meaning “sage of the Shakya clan”). He began to travel throughout present-day India, orally sharing his knowledge with others. For example, he talked about the Middle Path, which emphasizes having balance in one’s life. The ultimate goal of Buddhism is to reach nirvana, which is when one leaves Earth and ends the cycle of reincarnation.
Through time, various branches of Buddhism began to form as the religion spread to other areas, such as present-day Thailand, Japan, and China. As a result, some of the tenets of Buddhism in these branches differ. For example, Mahayana Buddhism began in India many years ago (it is unclear the exact time period it began, but this branch of Buddhism might have formed around 100 CE or even earlier). One of the main ideas within Mahayana Buddhism is the bodhisattva, which is any being who wishes to reach enlightenment and become a Buddha; bodhisattvas can help others attain enlightenment. This branch of Buddhism became the main form of Buddhism practiced in Central and East Asia by the 9th Century CE, which is still practiced today in these areas.
The traditions and practices of Buddha are also communicated through images, especially through symbols and iconography. One example of a symbol is a mudra. In this image, for example, we see the Buddha’s hands touching each other; both hands have index fingers and thumbs touching. This gesture is called the dharma chakra mudra, which represents teaching. Mudras can be found in other Buddhist images and also in Hindu images. Are there any gestures you can make with your hands that can have meaning to others?
A Preaching Buddha, Central Tibet, 16th-17th century, Sculpture, Brass alloy with paint, 9 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/8 in. (22.86 x 11.43 x 5.39 cm), Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Phillips (M.84.227.4), South and Southeast Asian Art
Across Buddhist iconography, lotus flowers are a common symbol. In this same figure, the Buddha sits on top of a lotus flower; in this case, it would be called a lotus throne. Lotus flowers grow in murky water. They represent willpower because they push through this muddy water to grow. It is understood that this concept can also apply to the followers of Buddhism. Because people may experience difficult moments but persevere through them and eventually reach enlightenment.
In images, specific features of the Buddha allow viewers to identify him. In this image of the Buddha, we can see these features: a simple robe, short, cropped hair, the elongated earlobes, the urna, and the ushnisha. The elongated earlobes reference the heavy earrings he once wore, expensive items Siddhartha gave up when he left the palace to pursue his spiritual path.
Buddha Shakyamuni, India, Bihar, Gaya District, circa 850, Sculpture, Chlorite schist, 31 3/4 x 18 1/4 x 9 in. (80.65 x 46.36 x 22.86 cm), From the Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection, Museum Associates Purchase (M.73.4.11), South and Southeast Asian Art
In some images of the Buddha, we will see the ushnisha represented as a flame on the top of his head, as we find here:
Buddha Shakyamuni, Sri Lanka, Kandy period, 18th century, Gilt copper alloy with partial black coating, a) Buddha: 14 1/4 x 14 1/4 x 9 1/2 in. (36.2 x 36.2 x 24.13 cm); b) Finial: 2 3/4 x 1 3/8 x 1 in. (6.99 x 3.49 x 2.54 cm); Overall: 16 1/2 x 14 1/4 x 9 1/2 in. (41.91 x 36.2 x 24.13 cm), Purchased with funds provided by Murray and Virginia Ward (M.2004.1a-b), South and Southeast Asian Art
This image of the Buddha also shows him seated in a meditative pose; he sits with his legs crossed, one foot over the other.
Buddhism spread in India and eventually reached other areas, such as present-day Pakistan (or early Gandhara), due to travel, especially along the Silk Road. Here is an example of an image from this region.
Buddha Shakyamuni, Pakistan, Gandhara region, 2nd-early 3rd century, Sculpture, Gray schist, 47 1/2 x 16 x 19 1/2 in. (120.65 x 40.64 x 49.53 cm), Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Eric Lidow in honor of the museum's twenty-fifth anniversary (M.91.90), South and Southeast Asian Art
This sculpture was made in the ancient Gandhara region, along the Silk Road. This object highlights the interaction between Eastern and Western cultures. There are Greek- and Roman-inspired items, specifically the Buddha’s wavy hair and draped robe. The robe looks very similar to a Roman toga. This image exemplifies how ideas and artistic styles can travel, merge, and form new traditions and practices.
This object is made entirely of stone, but the artist still shows us how different materials around the figure might feel. What are the different types of textures you can see in this object? How might they feel if they were real and not made of stone?
Buddhism might have spread to China by the 2nd Century BCE because of people traveling along the Silk Road. Beginning in the 4th Century CE, many images of the Buddha began to be widespread within China. Chinese traditions merged with Buddhism, and for example, Chan or Zen Buddhism was formed that focused on meditation. This sculpture of the Buddha, possibly the Buddha Shakyamuni, was made in China around 700-800 CE.
Follow-Up Questions:
- How would you describe this image of the Buddha?
- How does this image of the Buddha look similar to or different from the other images of the Buddha you have seen in this lesson, such as the pose or clothing?
Probably Shakyamuni (Shijiamouni), China, Tang dynasty, about 700-800 A.D., Sculpture, Carved marble with traces of paint and gilding, 30 x 14 1/4 in. (76.2 x 36.2 cm), Gift of Ruth Trubner in memory of Henry Trubner and purchased with funds provided by Kelly and Robert Day, H. Tony and Marti Oppenheimer and the Oppenheimer Brothers Foundation, David Bohnett and Tom Gregory, Ric and Suzanne Kayne, Richard Merkin, M.D., Lenore and Richard Wayne, Sharon and Robert Blumenfield, Edgerton Foundation, Myron Laskin, Mary and Robert Looker, Nancy and Dick Riordan, and Mr. and Mrs. Hazelle Hickman (M.2007.111), Chinese Art
Buddha Shakyamuni, Thailand, circa 9th century, Sculpture, Copper alloy, 13 1/8 x 4 x 2 1/8 in. (33.34 x 10.16 x 5.4 cm), Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Phillips (M.84.227.7), South and Southeast Asian Art
Images of the Buddha have also been and continue to be honored today; for example, they can be part of meditation or ritual practices. One popular Buddhist festival in Japan is the Obon, or Bon, which is celebrated every year between July through September to honor one’s ancestors. Japanese communities in other countries, including the United States, also celebrate this festival. It often features dancing, food, and music!