Bodhisattva

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the Bodhisattva was a popular and important image in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition of the region of Gandhara. In contrast to the Buddha who is normally depicted in simple, monastic-like robes, the Bodhisattva is dressed more like a royal prince with elaborate jewels. In particular, the paper compares the bust of Bodhisattva from India - uttar Pradesh (or Northern Province), Mathura that was sculpted during the Kushan period sometime between the 2nd and 3rd century with the standing Bodhisattva from the region of Gandhara which is made out of Schist stone.

From the Paper:

"The bust of Bodhisattva is and elegant representation of the Buddha. The bust has an air of great nobility about it. He is wearing what looks like a long medallion on a chain that hangs down the middle of his chest, as well as a shorter necklace tighter around his neck. He wears a hat of jewels and is peering downwards with a gaze of contentment. It appears that the Bodhisattva is only wearing jewels - no clothes - as you can see his belly button at the bottom of the bust, making the bust appear to be anatomically correct. The facial features on the bust are quite refined and everything - the nose, eyes, and mouth - seem to be delicate. The Bodhisattva's eyes are dreamy, making him look as if he is not of this world - a characteristic the Hellenistic period (Turner, 1996). "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Dehejia, Vidja. Department of Art History and Archaeology, Columbia Universtiy. "Buddhism and Buddhist Art". Retrieved from the Web site: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/budd/hd_budd.htm on October 27, 2008.
• Leighton, Taigen Daniel. Faces of Compassion: Classic Bodhisattva Archetypes and Their Modern Expression. Wisdom Publications. 2003.
• Turner, Jane. The Dictionary of Art. Oxford University Press. 1996.
• Turner, Jane. Grove's Dictionary of Art. Oxford University Press. 1996.

More papers on Bodhisattva:

• Comparison Essay # 119881 : "The Bodhisattva of Mahayana Buddhism"
• Comparison Essay # 117018 : "Sainthood, the Bodhisattva and Enlightened Souls"
• Term Paper # 99048 : "Buddhist Art and Spirituality"

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