Exporting Buddhism's Moral Authority

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses how by exporting the ideas attributed to the Buddha, those who commissioned artworks at the time were attempting to impose their own moral authority on a specific social reality, as well as reinforcing it at home. It shows how a survey of just these few religious artworks indicates that the export of Buddhism first throughout India and then to the rest of Asia did, indeed, carries with it a very strong message of the moral authority of the time.

From the Paper:

"An even later carving, this one from Borobudur, tells the tale of King Sibi in the lower panel, and makes reference to a Bodhisattva in the upper panel. A Bodhisattva is a mortal who seeks Buddhahood by practicing perfect virtue. Despite practicing perfection, Bodhisattvas choose not to enter into Nirvana, paradise, until all living things are also ready to enter. In this case, the Bodhisattva is attended by reverent humans, apparently protective of him. He rides in a horse-drawn chariot, putting him literally and figuratively above the other humans. Still, one of the figures holds a sunshade above the old man's head. The panel is very likely meant to reinforce the idea that Bodhisattvas are worthy of respect, as they are leaders on the way to Nirvana and selfless holy people for waiting for the rest of humanity, and for the animal kingdom as well."

More papers on Exporting Buddhism's Moral Authority:

• Book Review # 107079 : "Moral Leadership"
• Essay # 83702 : "Chinese Buddhism"
• Research Paper # 83498 : "Cha'an Buddhism"

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