A Comparison of the Mural: Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru - Essay Example

A comparison or thesis of the mural: Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru The Chinese painting ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is symbolic of the rich Art heritage of Yuan dynasty. The process of unearthing the deeper meaning of the Art work (The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)) is possible through comparing the same with another Art work. So, the Art work from Japan, ‘Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)’ is used for comparison purpose. Thesis statement: The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo), the mural work is with deeper meaning than other works based on the same theme. (Special reference to the Japanese mural work Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)). Brief history of the Artwork The mural painting ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’is symbolic of the rich tradition of Chinese Art, especially mural painting during the rule of Yuan dynasty. Besides, the mural painting illustrates the belief that Lord Buddha as Bhaishajyaguru, the spiritual physician who is able to resolve psychological problems faced by human beings. The followers of Buddhism believe that Bhaishajyaguru is symbolic of salvation (Jing 2002, 207). The mural painting is closely related to the history and the growth of Buddhism, especially the Mahayana Buddhism in China. The mural painting put forth the importance of peace in human life. For instance, this Art work belongs to the age of Mongol influence (Yuan dynasty) in China. So, the history of this Art work is interconnected with Mahayana Buddhism, Mongol influence (Yuan dynasty), and development of Chinese Art. Comparison: ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’ and ‘Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)’ As pointed out earlier, the Art works made use for the comparison purpose are ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’ (See painting-1) and ‘Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu)’ (See painting -2). The former work is symbolic of life and healing power of spirituality. On the other side, the latter work is symbolic of death or ‘nirvana’. The former work is a Chinese mural made from a blend of mud/clay and straw. The latter work is a Japanese mural painting on silk, based on Lord Buddha’s death or ‘nirvana’. In the former work, Buddha is in squatting position, symbolic of health. On the other side, in the latter work, Buddha’s body is lying on the ground, symbolic of death and intrinsic relation with nature. The foreground of the Art work mainly focuses upon the body of Buddha. The background is crowded with Buddha’s disciples, who represent different classes in the society. All the living things in the painting are deeply affected by the death of Buddha. In the background, one can identify Buddha’s mother, symbolic of motherly affection and the presence of aristocratic class. In short, both the works symbolize the unifying factor inherent in Buddhist ideology that can be seen in Chinese and Japanese Buddhist branches. The other Art works based on the same theme The other Art works based on the same theme share some common factors like the element of spirituality and healing power of Buddhist ideology. For instance, the Art work ‘Palace of Buddha Bhaisajyaguru, Master of Remedies’ (See painting -3) is symbolic of Medicine Buddha and his teachings to his followers. In the work, one can easily identify a number of medical scholars famous in the field of Buddhist medical practices. Another Art work based on the same theme is ‘Buddha of medicine / Medizinbuddha’ (See painting -4). In this Art work, one can see that Buddha is holding an arura plant, which is symbolic of the healing effect of Buddhist ideology. In short, the Art works based on Buddha of Medicine shares the common theme of the healing effect of Buddha/ Buddhism and his teachings on human life. Exploration of the deeper meaning of the mural ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’ The mural painting of Medicine Buddha displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art is more valuable than an Art work representing a particular age/era in the history of Art. For instance, the height and width (24 ft and 8 inches, 49 ft and 7 inches respectively) of the work represents its visual supremacy over other works. The medium made use by the painter is symbolic of the traditional mural painting in China. The eight sides of the mural painting is symbolic of the Noble Eightfold path formulated by Buddha to accelerate mental development of human beings. One can easily identify that the ultimate aim of the concept of ‘Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru’ is to heal worldly sufferings. Hatred towards others, unwanted desire, and lack of knowledge exert negative influence upon one’s body and spirit (Meulenbeld 2001, 30). So, both the ideas/ concepts are similar in practical sense. The focal point of the mural painting is Buddha with an aura/halo around his head. This provides holiness to the focal point (say, Buddha’s head) and unique importance to the Art work as a whole. The deities placed in both sides of Buddha are symbolic of heavenly atmosphere and the Buddhist principle of rebirth. According to Buddhist principles, mediators with experience can mediate their own salvation and attain rebirth, which is closely related to the concept of the Buddha of Medicine (Fenton 1999, 44). The hierarchy of power within Buddhism is evident in the positioning of Buddha, deities, Bodhisattvas, Guardian Generals and others in the Art work. For instance, most importance is given to Lord Buddha, then his attendants (Candraprabha and Yueguang Pusa), then two secondary attendants, then the 12 Guardian Generals, and least importance is given to the two individuals (maybe, less-enlightened) in the lowest level. Besides, the 4 Bodhisattvas (2 main attendants and 2 secondary attendants) are symbolic of the 4 noble truths in Buddhism. The aura/halo around the deities and others is symbolic of the heavenly atmosphere of the Art work. Except Bhaishajyaguru, almost all others are richly decorated. But Bhaishajyaguru is in a red robe and without any decoration/ ornaments. This simplicity in dressing and appearance is symbolic of the Buddhist principle of detachment from worldly pleasures. The color combination that can be seen in the Art work is really interesting. For instance, the background is in brown, sky in blue, and the main colors used are the shades of green and brown. In short, the Art work is based on the role of Lord Buddha as Bhaishajyaguru, who is able to cure the illness of human minds. Besides, the basic principle of Buddhism is similar to the principles of Taoism and Confucianism in China. So, it is evident that the Art work ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’ portrays the basic values of Buddhism, Art heritage of Yuan dynasty and Chinese culture in general. Findings The main findings are pointed out below. 1. The Chinese painting ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’symbolizes the cultural heritage of China under Yuan dynasty (Mongolian). 2. The theme of the Art work is interconnected with Buddhist belief, Lord Buddha as Bhaishajyaguru or heavenly physician. 3. The Art work is symbolic of unresolved problems in human life and healing power of Buddhist ideology/ principles. 4. The other Art works based on the same theme symbolize the importance of peace and mental health in human life. 5. The portrayal of Bhaishajyaguru in simple dress and without any decoration is symbolic of detachment from worldly pleasures, which are temporary. Summing up, the Art work ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo)’ possesses deeper meaning than other works based on the same theme and treatment. The exploration the Art work unearths the importance of peaceful co-existence in human life. In this modern age, the theme made use by the painter is noteworthy because the concept of a spiritual guide as the person who solves the worldly problems is still relevant. In short, the Art work ‘The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo) is with soothing effect and symbolic of Buddhist belief and Chinese culture. Painting -1 Painting - 2 Painting – 3 Painting - 4 Works Cited Fenton, Peter. Tibetan healing: the modern legacy of medicine Buddha. USA: Quest Books, 1999. Jing, Anning. The Water Gods temple of the Guangsheng monastery: cosmic function of art, ritual and theater. Netherlands: BRILL, 2002. Meulenbeld, Ben. Buddhist symbolism in Tibetan thangkas: the story of Siddhartha and other Buddhas interpreted in modern Nepalese painting. Netherlands: Binkey Kok, 2001. Paintings Painting -1 The Buddha of Medicine Bhaishajyaguru (Yaoshi fo) Available at:- http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/asian_art/buddha_of_medicine_bhaishajyaguru_yaoshi_fo/objectview_enlarge.aspx?page=43&sort=0&sortdir=asc&keyword=&fp=1&dd1=6&dd2=0&vw=1&collID=6&OID=60010268&vT=1&hi=0&ov=0 ( December 05, 2010) Painting -2 Death of the Historical Buddha (Nehan-zu) Available at:- http://www.metmuseum.org/works_of_art/collection_database/asian_art/death_of_the_historical_buddha_nehan_zu/objectview_enlarge.aspx?page=8&sort=0&sortdir=asc&keyword=&fp=1&dd1=6&dd2=0&vw=1&collID=6&OID=60012543&vT=1&hi=0&ov=0 ( December 05, 2010) Painting -3 Palace of Buddha Bhaisajyaguru, Master of Remedies Available at: - http://www.dharma-haven.org/tibetan/mandala-of-the-medicine-buddha.htm (December 05, 2010) Painting -4 Buddha of medicine / Medizinbuddha Available at: -http://www2.bremen.de/info/nepal/Gallery-1/otherbuddhas/3-12/Bhaisay1.htm (December 05, 2010) Read More