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48 Cards in this Set
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Sumedha (the future Shakyamuni Buddha) bowing before Dipamkara Buddha, Kushan period, ca. 2nd century CE, grey schist Jataka tale Not the only Buddha, but one of many (the one of this world era) Buddha identified by halo, largest figure, everyone facing toward him Sumedha: still practicing good deeds before he reached nirvana Human gesture Sense of hope for Buddhist practitioners |
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Birth of the Buddha, Kushan period, ca. 2nd century CE, grey schist Born from Queen Maya with the 32 marks of a great man: "Great king or great religious teacher" Born in Lumbini Born out of the side of his mother's side fully formed As an infant, he takes steps in all four cardinal directions: represents his dominion over the cosmos Grew up sequestered in the castle by his father, eventually leaves home to seek spiritual enlightenment (leaving home=leaving behind material trappings) |
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Defeat of Mara, Kushan period, late 2nd-early 3rd century, grey schist Surrounded by Mara's evildoers: Mara wants to take over the "seat of enlightenment" under the bodhi tree Earth-touching gesture to call the earth to witness his defeating Mara and reaching enlightenment, witness Siddhartha's legitimate claim to the seat At Bodhgaya (seen from the heart-shaped leaves seen in the tree above his head) |
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Shakyamuni Preaching the First Sermon, Kushan period, 2nd-3rd century, grey schist Two deer=Sarnath Wheel: dharma, "turning the wheel of the law" Four Noble Truths: All life is suffering, the origin of suffering is attachment, the end of suffering is attainable, the means of ending suffering is through the Eightfold Path Five disciples (the shaved heads of the monks, simple robes) Also laypeople around him |
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Parinirvana, Kushan period, 2nd-3rd century, grey schist At Kushinigara Lay down on his right side with his head pointing toward the north Queen Maya coming down from the heavens Grief on followers' faces Buddha is transcending the cycle of suffering |
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Lion capital from Ashokan pillar, Maurya period, ca. mid-3rdcentury BCE, sandstone From a pillar: first evidence for the presence of Buddhism in India Lions' mouths open: could be proclaiming edicts Representation of the Shakyamuni Buddha: "voice of a lion"? Also a symbol of royalty Wheel below the lions Bull, horse, elephant, lion between the wheels Both Buddhist imagery and Ashoka's dominion Made out of a particular sandstone from Bihar Centralized resources, but widespread effect Institutionalize religious changes Political propaganda? |
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Great Stupa, Sanchi, Maurya to Andhra periods, 3rd century BCE-1st century CE, stone and brick Burial mound, built under Ashoka Patrons commissioned different scenes for the panels decorating the torana (no decoration on the railing itself) Has become a monastery site |
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Great Stupa, Sanchi, Maurya to Andhra periods, 3rd century BCE-1st century CE, stone and brick Meant for circumambulation: walking clockwise in a reverential manner |
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Yakshi, Great Stupa torana, Sanchi, Andhra period, 1st century CE, stone Voluptuous quality of the figures (seen in later Buddhist statues) Holding onto the tree (later seen in Queen Maya): believed they could cause trees to bloom just by kicking the trunk |
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Vessantara jataka, Great Stupa torana, Sanchi, Andhra period, 1st century CE, stone A jataka tale of the Shakyamuni Buddha The Buddha's penultimate lifetime A king so generous that he even gave away his own children to a man whose wife wanted servants Born into a high realm, but still practiced compassion and generosity A relief panel on the gateway that leads to the pathway for worship Carved on the lowest of the horizontal cross bars Story carved from right-to-left, even though people are circumambulating clockwise |
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Monkey Jataka, Great Stupa torana, Sanchi, Andhra period, 1st century CE, stone Born as an ape king Helps his monkeys escape over the river after the human king hurts them trying to take the mangoes, evil cousin is the last one to climb over the Buddha's back and breaks his back Human king gives the monkey king a proper burial |
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Monkey Bringing Honey to the Buddha, Great Stupa toraṇa, Sanchi, Andhra period, 1st century CE, stone *aniconic representation* Monkeys brought to Siddhartha before he started meditating, but there were bees in it, so Siddartha refused to eat it because the bees would die Empty seat underneath the tree, missing a human figure of Siddhartha |
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Monkey Jataka, Bharhut Stupa, Shunga period, 2nd century BCE, stone Monkey king extends himself over the river, conversation with human king On the railing of the Bharhut Stupa (vs. the same scene at Sanchi, which is on the torana) Shows less of the scene, less cluttered Both scenes show the conversation with the human king (the important lesson from the story) |
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Bodhisattva/Shakyamuni Buddha dedicated by Monk Bala, Kushan period, ca. 130 CE, red sandstone Mathura Tight drapery Full face, paunchness Soft features, not as defined muscles One shoulder garment: monk's robes Upright posture Inscription from the monk identifies the figure as a bodhisattva, but it looks like a buddha Drew upon yaksha sculptures (pre-existing forms) Ananda Coomaraswamy: internal theory --> iconic imagery comes from inside India No ushinisha |
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Bodhisattva/Shakyamuni Buddha dedicated by Monk Bala, Kushan period, ca. 130 CE, red sandstone, Mathura region |
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Buddha, Kushan period, 3rd century CE, grey schist Greco-Roman influence Looser drapery Ushinisha (topknot): mark of a great man Anatomic detail: more muscular definition Stoic Columnar (traditional monumental sculpture) Realistic proportions Urna (dot between his eyes) |
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Bodhisattva Maitreya, Kushan period, 3rd century CE, grey schist *Tushita Heaven* Guides others to enlightenment Benevolent Long hair, earrings Floppy topknot, headdress? Urna (tuft of hair between eyebrows) More intricate robes More dynamic pose, greater sense of movement Wearing sandals |
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Sculpture of King Kanishka I, Kushan period, ca. 120 CE, red sandstone Heavy coat (triangular), heavy belt Sword and club: military authority Heavy boots Inscription: "king of kings, great king, son of god, Kanishka" Intersection of political power and religion: image cult of imperial portraiture |
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Coin, obverse with King Kanishka at an altar (left) and reverse with figure of standing Buddha (right), gold, Kushan Period, 2nd century CE “Boddo” Kanishka, bearded, on one side Buddha on the other side, tying together the imperial leader and deity Patronage of Buddhism Project similar to Ashoka's pillars |
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Cave 19, Ajanta, Gupta Period, late 5th century Part of a monastery complex Built during the "Golden Age of India": fell into disuse after the fall of Harisema (revival of Hinduism) Stupa in the middle Carved freestanding buildings out of stone Put in columns to create aisle for circumambulation High level of fine carving in capitals and stupa (iconic images everywhere) Also used for group worship Possibly never consecrated: dedication panel is empty |
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Standing Buddha, Gupta period, ca. 435, sandstone “International Gupta Style” Tight drapery Rounded body, not as defined muscles Slimmer proportions, broader shoulders, slim waist Focus on general curves of the body (sensous) Hair: represented by balls, not curls Ushinisha |
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Cave 1, Ajanta, Gupta period, late 5th century* donated by King Harishena of the Vakataka* Vihara cave: living quarters for monks One of the finest caves in all of India Closely related to the reign of Harishena Believed that the cell was never used (paintings in such good condition) |
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Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara as Padmapani, Cave 1, Ajanta, Gupta period, late 5th century *donated by King Harishena of the Vakataka* In Cave I Holds lotus in right hand: small gesture can still increase karma Wearing lots of jewelry: still of this world Male figure (Avalokiteshvara later portrayed as female) Skirt-like Indian garment Active pose Elaborate headdress Long nose, hooded eyes, small, pouty lips Broad shoulders, full, sensous body Help others reach enlightenment, faced worldly dangers to do it Lush landscape with people, monkeys, and other creatures |
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The Mahajanaka jataka tale, Cave 1, Ajanta, Gupta period, late 5th century Depictions of Buddhist figures in contemporary courtly clothing Focus on kingship Buddha born as a prince, kingdom usurped by evil uncle, used money as merchant to marry off his daughter and regain his kingdom In this scene, girls offering him food, musicians, attractions of royal life Renounces his kingship and becomes a wandering ascetic (giving up the royal lifestyle) Shows him getting cleansed before he leaves the castle Dry fresco |
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Avalokiteshvara, Cave 90, Kanheri, 6th century CE “Savior from Perils,” Lotus Sutra *focus on Avalokiteshvara & “Savior from Perils” scenes,not on other figures* Lotus Sutra: influential Mahayana sutra, probably written in the 1st century BCE Attaining the awakened mind of a buddha is the practitioner's primary goal Enlightened beings should remain in the world to help others Saving people from 10 early perils: elephant, lion, cobra, flames, another person etc. Wearing lots of jewelry Lotus flower in hand wears minimal clothing, matted locks of ascetic |
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Mahabodhi Temple, Gupta Period, 5-6th centuries, brick Focus of veneration shifting to the temple Small porth Pyramid tower, four smaller towers (each one has an image of the Buddha) Chinese monk pilgrims in 400 and 637 BCE visited, described the temple |
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Model of the Mahabodhi Temple, Pala Period, 12th century, stone Made for pilgrims: continuing experience of the pilgrimage, can be reenacted in their own home Helped to rebuild the temple Inspired similar temples in other parts of the world, but they reflected the local architectural styles |
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Buddha Shakyamuni with Eight Great Events, Pala Period, 12th century, stone *bhumisparsha (earth-touching) mudra* Adorned: some texts believe he was crowned by old Buddhas in the heavens before he reached enlightenment Eight Great Events: feature that came into Buddhist art during the Pala period Scenes of each of his life events portrayed on this statue: Birth, enlightenment, first sermon, performance of miracles, descent from Trayastrimsha Heaven, Taming of the Mad Elephant, Gift of Honey from a Monkey, parinirvana Main scene: enlightenment (earth-touching gesture) |
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Borobudur, Shailendra Dynasty, early 9th century, volcanic rock Realm of desire (earthly) Realm of form (celestial) Realm of formlessness (enlightenment) Coexistence of Buddhism and Hinduism Royal patronage of Buddhist Art (King and Queen of the Shailendra Dynasty) Stepped terrace, built stupa on top Enveloped by reliefs on terraces/Buddhist world (at eye level) Physical representation of gaining enlightenment Highest terraces: openwork stupas, circumambulating the stupa, expose statues of Buddhas inside |
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Shakyamuni Buddha |
The "Historical Buddha"; "Sage of the Shakyas" Founder of Buddhism in India Born in Lumbini (present day Nepal) as Siddhartha Gautama The Buddha of our world era Sometimes represented by other symbols in art Usually portrayed as a serene monk, simple robes 32 marks of a great man Compassion, generosity Ex. The Standing Buddha from the Kushan period (Gandharan Buddha) |
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Parinirvana |
One of the great events from his life The end of the final lifetime of Shakyamuni Buddha, after he reached enlightenment Around 80 years old Final or complete nirvana (upon the moment of death) Ex. Parinirvana relief from the Kushan period |
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Bodhisattva |
Someone who is on the path to enlightenment, but has not completely reached nirvana. Usually on this earth to help others who are seeking enlightenment "Enlightenment/enlightened being" Clothing and adornments very similar to Indian royalty (still of this world) Ex. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara from the Gupta period or the painting of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in the Ajanta caves |
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Jataka tale |
A story from one of the Shakyamuni Buddha's previous lives. Examples include the monkey king, the elephant king, Sumedha (who let the previous Buddha walk on his hair), Vessantara etc.
Could be born into one of six realms (upper levels are reserved for humans/deities), doing good deeds will help you be born into a higher realm in your next lifetime Ex. The Monkey Jataka tale relief carved into the railing at Bharhut |
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Emperor Ashoka |
Mauryan emperor, the first Buddhist
Tried to rule his empire according to Buddhist values Erected pillars around his empire with edicts written in the local vernacular about Buddhism/strengthening his own power (both political power and acceptance of Buddhism in his empire) Put them on major trade routes and on spiritual sites Big patron of Buddhist art Iconic image of the Buddha first starts appearing under the Kushans Reigned 269-232 BCE Originally known for his military conquests Visited Buddhist holy sites Ex. edict pillar at Sarnath |
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Stupa |
An earthen mound built over relics A circular dome meant for worship by circumambulationRelics held within, way to worship the relics Usually made of stone or brick Could be decorated with reliefs Ex. The Great Stupa at Sanchi |
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Torana |
Gateway
Height of the opening is supposedly the height of the Shakyamuni Buddha Carvings on both sides Two vertical pillars Animal capitals Horizontal cross bars Ex. the ones built into the railing (vedika) enclosing the Great Stupa at Sanchi |
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Yakshi |
Pre-Buddhist female nature deity
Fertility goddesses Ex. Yakshi statue on the torana at the Great Stupa at Sanchi |
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Aniconic representation |
Lack of the human form in representing the Buddha
Huntington: this movement did not exist, Devejia: this movement did not exist, but maybe not the to the extent that Foucher has stated Ex. Monkey Giving Honey to the Buddha at Sanchi (worshipping an empty seat under the bodhi tree) |
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Iconic representation |
The use of the human form to represent the Buddha
First seen during the Kushan period Ex. Gandharan Buddha from Kushan period (statue of a human Buddha) |
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Mathura |
City located in the modern-day northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh
One capital of the Kushan empire Ex. Bodhisattva/Shakyamuni Buddha dedicated by the Monk Bala from the Kushan period |
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Gandhara |
Region encompassing parts of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan
Other capital of the Kushan empire Greco-Roman influence Ex. Gandharan Buddha from the Kushan period |
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Maitreya |
"Loving-kindness"
Portrayed as both a buddha and a bodhisattva Will be the buddha of the next world era Currently in Tushita Heaven: for buddhas-to-be Often adorned, but with signs of spiritual advancement Lifetime path is very similar to Shakyamuni Buddha Not yet descended to earth Ex. Bodhisattva Maitreya from the Kushan period |
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King Kanishka |
Kushan king
Reigned from 127-150 From a militaristic Central Asian tribe that took over part of the subcontinent Portrayed with a triangular coat, big boots, and a sword Ex. Statue of King Kanishka |
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chaitya |
A worship cave
Stupa in the middle Ex. Cave 19 at Ajanta |
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vihara |
A habitation cave Cells for monks to sleep in Decorated with sculptures and paintings Ex. Cave 1 at Ajanta |
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Avalokiteshvara |
Bodhisattva who represents the compassion of the Buddhas
Portrayed as both a man and a woman Here to guide practitioners to enlightenment Performs miracles Mahayana Buddhism Often connected to Buddha Amitabha Saving all beings from the suffering of the world Ex. Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara from the Kushan period |
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bhumisparsha mudra |
"earth-touching" gesture gesture of calling the earth to witnessMost often seen in scenes of the Buddha reaching enlightenment at Bodhgaya Becomes one of the main gestures seen on the Buddha during the Pala period (8th-12th centuries) dharma: Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path Ex. The Vajrasana Buddha or the Shakyamuni Buddha with Eight Great Events |
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Bodhgaya |
The site of Buddha's enlightenment The center of the universe in Buddhist cosmology Pilgrimage centers around the bodhi tree/diamond seat, under which Buddhas reach nirvana and the Mahabodhi Temple, which has also become a site of veneration Ex. The Mahabodhi Temple |
