Seated Buddha - Case Study Example

Seated Buddha Buddhist art and Buddhism flourished in Gandharan due to its complex and diverse history. The region (located to Pakistani’s North West and Afghanistan’s east) was first textually mentioned in the 19th century BCE. During this and other subsequent eras, the region experienced various conquests. For example, Alexander the Great, Indo Greeks, Parthians and lastly the Kushan Empire all conquered Gandhara. This vast and complex history led to the formation of the Buddhism religion. The religion further flourished as a result of the diverse cultures brought by the conquerors. Art from Gandhara exhibit both profound cultural and religious significance. Art from this region is characterized by works sculptured in stone, bronze or gold. Some of these works date from the 1st to the 5th century CE. This period encompasses the indo Greek, Kushan and Sasanian periods. The first Gandharan pieces of art to be exported from Pakistan were as a result of the Buddhist heritage of Pakistan exhibition. As such, the paper will analyze a carving of the seated Buddha. Additionally, the Buddha’s features will be explored in detail. Art originating from Gandharan depicts impressive stylistic qualities and characteristics, many of which illustrate the centuries old connections to Parthian and Greco roman art. Gandhara was a focal point where Indian imagery and the concept of the early western classical art met with the local practices. In addition to these, the region is a significant place due to the many forms and types of imagery (Buddhist) that emerged from the region. These Buddhist arts include a wide and diverse array of scenes representing the Buddha’s life. The Buddha is often shown in various positions and poses. Art type: Seated Buddha Region: Northern Pakistan (perhaps Jamalgarhi, Peshawar valley), (former Kingdom of Gandhara), Gupta Dynasty Stone type: Schist H. 34 in The Avery Brundage Collection B60S393 The Gandharan Buddhist art can be seen dotting temples and museums throught Asia. The Gandharan culture spread from it heartland in Pakistan to Central Asia, Tarim Basin, China, Korea and Japan (Coomaraswamy et al, 1928). This spread and complex intriguing history makes the history of Gandharan art to be important to scholars form the west and the east. The artwork depicts a seated Buddha. This piece of art is an early depiction of the Buddha. It was probably discovered in ancient Gandhara at Jamal Garhi’s site. Gandhara is presently known as Pakistan. This art goes back to the 3rd or 2nd century AD. Before the 1st century, statues of the Buddha were not made. However, he was illustrated by certain symbols like his aniconic footprint. Decryption of the statue This carving of the seated Buddha inspired BBC radio 4’s programme titled the history of the world in loo objects. This was during May 2010. The radio programme analyzed and evaluated why the artists were allowed to use the seated carving a representation of the Buddha unlike in prior times when they only used his footprint or only symbols. The Buddha’s figure is seated on what I assume to be a cushion on a platform or throne. There are little or smaller figures in front of the platform/throne. These bodhisattva figures adorn a halo and a turban. They are flanked by figures of a female and a male kneeling down. Many researchers argue that these kneeling figures might represent the donor portraits these couple might have paid for the art. Similar pieces of art There are similar seated Buddha statues around the world. For example, at Yale University’s art gallery, there is one carved out of black schist. Christies auctioned off another similar piece of art for 218500 dollars in early September 2010. The Christies Buddha was approximately 26 inches in height. Also, it was from the same place and era as the seated Buddha statue. These carvings are considered to be among the rarest Buddha pieces of art in the world. However, they are found in various museums in France, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Korea, japan, India and Germany. Buddhist art Buddhist art can be defined as art which is influenced and inspired by Buddhism. This type of art ranges from Buddhist temple art objects, art media which illustrate the bodhisattvas and the Buddha to other vital entities. Also, narrative depictions from the Buddha’s lives are included. Moreover, Buddhists objects such as bells, vajras, and stupas are also included. As Buddhism spread to different countries, Buddhist art also spread evolved and adapted to the new nation’s culture. The Buddha is a central theme of Asian religion. This is the main reason why there are a variety of Buddha sculptures. For instance, the eastern religion centers or revolves around a Buddha while other pieces of art are rooted in Hinduism. The Buddha according to the Buddhists is seen under different ways: past and future manifestations and also he manifests himself by appearing in different universes simultaneously. Analysis There are many Buddha possesses each illustrating a different attitude or asana. Each and every posture will possess a different hand gesture. These hand gestures often referred to as mudra have specific meanings. In relation to the hand placement, we have the protection Buddha, meditation/serenity or calming Buddha, earth touching Buddha, reclining/nirvana Buddha, medicine Buddha, walking Buddha and lastly the teaching Buddha. The above piece of art reflects a teaching Buddha or as commonly called Dharmachakra Buddha. In general, the carving of a teaching Buddha signifies understanding, fulfillment of destiny and wisdom. In this statue, both of his hands are positioned at chest level in a preaching gesture. This hand depiction is sometimes referred to as turning the doctrine wheel. It is a gesture emulating a real turning of a wheel. To emphasize on the turning wheel hand posture, there is an actual wheel carved into the architectural element of the statue’s left side. The wheel is being turned. As are a lot of the Buddha’s images, this one also refers to a specific moment in his life. The carving depicts that specific moment when he gave a sermon after being enlightened. The Buddha directed his first sermon to a group of his disciples who had earlier scorned him. The statue can relate to the modern people’s lives. It is appropriate for people or individuals who have a passion and an interest in knowing more about the concept of spirituality. As such, these illustrations f the Buddha can be used by people in transforming their lives for the better. A lot of people find it hard and difficult to translate Dharmachakra. To make translation easier, the words are split into two; dharma and chakra. Dharma alone means or refers to the way of righteous. On the other hand, chakra means the cosmos or universe. Nevertheless, when these two words are combined, they are thought to mean putting the universe law of righteousness in the right track or in order. Additionally, the term can also mean turning the universe’s wheel of righteous. Leg position Generally, most carvings of the Buddha depict him seated cross-legged. This gives the carving a triangle shape; the head tip making the triangle’s top point while both knees make the triangle’s 2 bottom points or corners. The importance of this position is that it gives the Buddha carving more foundation or a firmer supporting base. There are only 2 leg positions adopted by sitting Buddha. The first is when the Buddha sits cross-legged with his right leg being above the left. This is a single lotus position. The second position is refered to as the double lotus position. In this pose, the Buddha has both of his ankles tucked or placed on top of each other while the knees point downwards. The Buddha has adopted a double lotus position in this piece of art. Dot between the Buddha’s eyes The Buddha has a third eye located on his forehead. It’s also referred to as the inner eye. The third eye is an esoteric and mystical concept that implies that the Buddha can see beyond the ordinary human form of seeing. Therefore, the third eye or the inner eye in the new age has come to illustrate a state of enlightenment. The third eye symbolizes that the Buddha could have clairvoyance, religious visions, and ability to see auras and chakras and precognition. Sometimes seers also claimed to have the third/inner eye. The third eye in the carving is located slightly above the eyebrows but in the middle of the forehead. Different religions translated the meaning of the third eye differently. While the Buddha’s third eye signified enlightenment, Taoism uses the third eye when in meditation. They focus on the third eye so as to gain firmer foundations that will aid them to reach high or good meditation levels. In regard to Christianity, the third eye symbolizes dualistic thinking. Buddha’s hair Before renouncing his rich past, the Buddha had long hair (Coomaraswamy et al, 1928). He cut his hair after leaving his palace by using a knife and thus he is depicted as having short curly hair in the piece of art. The hair cutting process symbolized that the Buddha discarded ignorance since long hair is often associated with ignorance. Thus, the body the mind and body should be kept clean at all times so as to achieve true knowledge and understanding. Therefore, the process of the Buddha cutting his hair symbolizes an urge to keep the mind and body clean which then leads to enlightenment. The Buddha has his eyes slightly closed. This infers that he is in a meditation state. Meditation is basically defined as the act of looking not only inwards but outwards as well. Additionally, the faint smile on the Buddha’s face refers to the serene and peaceful nature he has after being enlightened. Elongated ears The elongated earlobes of the Buddha are most probably due to his time as a prince. Before discarding his rich background and lifestyle, the Buddha wore a lot of heavy jewelry such as earrings. This jewelry stretched and elongated his earlobes. Nonetheless, the elongated earlobes can also be translated to mean that the Buddha has a good hearing ability. Many believe that the Buddha hears everything or anything that is necessary and thus needed in the universe. Head posture The Buddha’s head is protruding and seems disconnected from the body in the carving. This posture signifies the Buddha’s disconnection between the body and the mind. This type of state is called bodhisattva. There is also an oval three dimensional protuberance on the Buddha’s head. This figure is referred to as ushnisha and it represents his dependence on spiritual guide and attainment of enlightenment. However, the oval shape can also be taken to mean or represent a crown on his head. Wheel of law The wheel of the law which is on the left side of the statue is made up of eight spokes. These spokes stand for the eightfold path which laid out the eight ways individuals are supposed to live. These ways were advocated by the Buddha. Also, the wheel on itself acts as a reminder of three stages; birth, death and then rebirth. Conclusion The seated Buddha statue as implied is a carving of a seated Buddha. The carving is made out of schist which allowed for fine detect. As such, the material enabled the statue to be impressively done even up to the fingernails. The posture adapted by the Buddha is one among the many standard Buddha poses. The posture depicts the Buddha as being a teacher turning the Dharma wheel in motion. This posture and act was done by the Buddha after his enlightenment. Additionally, this was also after he had delivered his first ever sermon at Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh. This statue was carved between the 2nd or 3rd centuries as earlier stated in the text. The Buddha is often referred to as the enlightened one. Work Cited Coomaraswamy, Ananda K. "The Buddhas cūḍā, Hair, uṣṇīṣa, and Crown." Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain & Ireland (New Series) 60.04 (1928): 815-841. Print Read More