The Bodhisattva's Body

Pensive Bodhisattva has typical features of the Buddhist artworks. Also, the interesting aspect is we can see the unique features of the Three Kingdom Period’s artwork through this sculpture. When we see this sculpture at first, the most noticeable point is the bodhisattva’s posture. He sits on the dais and he puts his right leg over his left leg. The right leg also props his right elbow and his fingers especially the forefinger and the middle finger touch his right chin and he rests his left hand neatly on his right ankle. The description of his fingers and toes are very realistic. When we see the fingers and toes, we can feel how the artist put his or her blood into sculpting each fingers and toes. However, his posture seems agonizing. When we take a closer look his face, his eyes are closed and he puts gentle smile on his lips. For that reason, his posture reminds us his anguish, but at the same time, his facial expression

For example, the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the form of Chintamani-chakra (Image 2) is another sculpture depicting the bodhisattva with the wish granting jewel, but this sculpture only has the same gestures, posture, and objects as the Nyoirin Kannon from the early ninth century (Image 1). It is painted a different color, the deity has a different head decoration, and this sculpture does not feature a mandorla. Although the objects are missing, the hands are placed in the same places and the objects were there when it was originally sculpted. That again shows the significance objects as the some of the essential expressions in Esoteric Buddhist

The three Jewels are an intrinsic part of Buddhism. It includes the Buddha who founded Buddhism, Dhamma which is the teachings of the Buddha and the Sangha which is the community of monks and nuns. This belief is demonstrated through bowing. Buddhists during Puja bow three times in front of the statue of the Buddha. This symbolises the three Jewels in Buddhism. An example of this is Tibetan Buddhists laying their whole body on the floor when bowing. This shows modesty, devotion and commitment to the three jewels. Without the element of bowing the three Jewels would not be acknowledged in the Puja. Since the three Jewels are the foundation of Buddhist beliefs, bowing is an integral part of Puja. Moreover, Puja can be seen as disrespectful if it is not recognising the teacher, teachings and the community that founded Buddhism. Hence, bowing is a vital part of Puja as it acknowledges the three Jewels.

Later images display attributes of both genders. One interpretation of this development contends that the bodhisattva is neither male nor female but has transcended sexual distinctions, as he has all other dualities in the sphere of samsara (the temporal world). According to this opinion, the flowing drapery and soft

The central Buddha figure, Shakyamuni is the original Buddha who can not be spoken or thought of in terms of birth or death, self or other and is the source of all other manifestation of Buddha hood. He appears cross-legged on a pedestal representing the “cosmic mountain.” The Shaka displays several of the important iconographic, symbolic traits of the Buddha, including the usis, a cranial protrubence; the snail-shell curls of hair the urna, a mark on the brow between the eyes; the elongated ears; and the gilt which indicates the golden color of the Buddha’s skin. He holds his right hand in a gesture of protection or reassurances known as abhaya mudra, the left in the vara mudra. These features appear

The Jataka is the most important Buddhist literature which was written in the 4th century BCE, and there are 547 stories. These stories are about the early lives of the Buddha before he was enlightened. The Buddha was born and reincarnated in rituals of humans, animals, and god. Buddhism is the religion of compassion that teach moral values and provides lessons. The objective of Buddhism is to enlighten about dharma and karma that might help individuals to escape the karmic cycle and reach nirvana. Dharma is expressed as the system of ethical behavior of life, distributing good life energy through the universe. Karma is mean as the network of cause/effect from the human action that can determine future reincarnation as a higher or lower creature.

Another important symbol in Buddhism is Buddha’s footprints. Followers believe that the footprints symbolize his presence in their lives. This is important because it is a reminder to them why they are following the teachings of Buddhism. According to the article Brief History of Symbolism in Buddhism, it states "Footprints of the Buddha traditionally symbolize the physical presence of the Enlightened One. This image was reproduced from a rubbing of an ancient stone imprint at Bodh Gaya, India, site of the Buddha's enlightenment." These footprints date all the way back to when Siddhartha was alive and was enlightened, and

Although Buddhism, from the outside view, can come across as a relaxed religion this image seems to depict a destructive demon. Without any knowledge of what the illustrations represent, it would be immensely easy to make this quick assumption. In analyzing the piece, though, it can be understood that this Bodhisattva is being depicted in his Tantric form. Like the Tantric Kali from the Hindu religion, God(s)/Goddess(s) or sacred figures can sometimes be seen in the wrong light which leads to an un-informed view of that character. In actuality, if you take a closer look at the illustration it can be seen that Manjusri, being the Bodhisattva of wisdom, wields a sword of wisdom that can cut through ignorance as well as the Perfection of Wisdom Sutra in his left hand.

These two seated Buddha represent the meaning and the embodiment of Buddha. Both of these sculptures convey Buddha and represent key aspects of Buddhism, but these two sculpture do not convey and represent the symbolism entirely of what Buddha is in other art pieces. Rock cut stone sculpture of Buddha is represented in a peaceful nature as he gives the first sermon, the sun, the lotus flower, the knot on his head, the elongated earlobes, the slightly closed eyes and cherubs up above are common symbols that represent Buddha. Where the Grand Buddha at Ling Shan is an 88 metre tall bronze statue, that stand upward, and has very little Buddha symbolism represented. He has the knot on his head, slightly closed eyes, standing on an opened lotus flower

Emily, this sculpture is interesting to me in a way that Buddha’s head is not present. The body and the half circle seem to serve as the eyes and mouth. Also, because it is a sculpture of fasting Buddha, it seems to show the inside of the body as bony and enduring the fasting season. After reaching enlightenment, Buddha meditated and fasted for forty-nine days. Thus, showing him as an emaciated renouncer relates to his enlightenment and his status as a yogic ascetic who has ultimate control over his body. Other characteristics that relate to his enlightenment include the sitting on top of the seven people under him shows the Buddha's teachings to his followers.

Sayre the author says, “The Buddha is the most extensive collection of large-scale sculptures in the world and can be found an hour north of New York City in the lower Hudson Valley at Storm King Art Center (“A World of Art”). Zhang seems to like the traditional aspects of chinses culture, because he re-used an ash material form other artists, to create his own sculpture. The techniques he used to create the sculpture is casting, assemblage, and construction. Without using these three additive techniques of sculpting, the artwork wouldn’t have been fragile, and not overwhelming in size. The subject of the “three Legged-Buddha” is another conflict with the governmental rules and regulations, and it has drawn a lot of attention due to its strong message that it conveys. When I initially examined the art piece for the first time, it looked like a huge dismantled, three legged human figure. I thought it was a symbol for keeping your body in better shape over your mind. The most amazing part of the sculpture is how extremely large it is compared to the electrocution sculpture. After reading and interpreting the sculpture it struck me that it was made for ceremonial gathering, where incense placed and burned from inside of the sculpture, and pours out of the head. I think that the artist was trying to involve the visitors in his sculpture. Since Zhang Huan

The group of objects chosen for this paper comes from the collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum. The title of both pieces is called Seated Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Guanyin). Both these pieces which are statues were sculpted in china. The earliest statue was made during the Tang dynasty. While, the later statue was made during the Northern Song dynasty. These statues were chosen because the same deity is depicted and were made in a similar geographic and cultural location. This allows for the comparison of the different styles between the 2 periods. The statue made during the Northern Song dynasty depicts the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara sitting in a pose called the relaxed pose or easy pose. This statue also depicts the Bodhisattva adorned in lavish silk garments while a jeweled crown sits atop his head. The statue is carved from wood and painted with gesso, pigments, and gilding. The statue made during the Tang Dynasty depicts the Bodhisattva sitting in the easy pose as well. It also depicts the Bodhisattva in flowing robes while wearing a string of jewels.

The origins of Japanese Buddhism trace back to the Asuka period, when the Yamato court was given a bronze statue of Buddha, which was 2.5 meters tall. Soon after obtaining their gift however, small pox struck the nation and many believed the statue to be the reason why. Thus, the statue was thrown in a river only to be retrieved by the Soga clan. Buddhas facial features include small almond shaped eyes and a heightened brow. The detail in the headband and dress are amazingly applied by making the details apparent without adding too much to overcome the piece as a whole.

The path to spiritual freedom is sought by many people in this world. Relief from suffering is sought by many more. In these times, in all times past, and probably in times to come, the need for a spiritual guide is apparent. Kwan Yin (Guan Shih Yin in China, Kannon in Japan) is a Buddhist goddess of compassion who provides this guidance and direction for countless people.

Many people find comfort and power in inanimate objects along with other items, icons and anicons play a significant role in comforting and giving faith to Buddhists. These representations provide a sense of unity and community for all people. Having similar images which practitioners and lay people use provokes a feeling of connectedness to Buddha, and a sense of connectedness to each other as well. Buddhists also gain strength from images that they worship, and use anicons such as prayer flags or the wheel of dharma to continue their devotion. As modernization continues, so does the modernizations of icons and anicons, such as anime characters or representations of Buddha as a robot. While the religious teachings stress the idea of the impermanence of all things, icons that represent Buddhist concepts like karuna, upaya, and duhkha, provide some foundation and guidance for its practitioners, helping renouncers and lay people alike in their journey to find enlightenment.