Buddhist Art and Spirituality

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Buddhist art and spirituality, particularly the concept of the Bodhisattva. It describes the history of the idea of the Bodhisattva and its definition. The paper then describes depictions of the bodhisattvas and their place in Buddhist worship. The paper also shows how the bodhisattvas varied from China to Japan, depending on the needs of the people.

From the Paper:

"From the Indian Subcontinent, Mahayana Buddhism spread from China to Japan and adapted itself to the religious needs and traditions of that nation. Japan developed its own pantheon of individuals who forestalled their enlightenment to help others find nirvana. For example, the Bodhisattva Jizo Bosatsu is the Japanese "Bodhisattva of the Earth Womb" and a "savior bodhisattva, who guides the faithful and helps those in hell. In Japan, he is also worshiped as the protector of women, children, and travelers. Stone statues of the bodhisattva are often placed at crossroads" to help travelers physically navigate the roads, and also encourage them to seek the path of enlightenment ("Jizo," Asian Art Outlook, 2002). This highlights the practical function of the bodhisattva in worship, but also shows how even a worldly depiction of this religious figure as a traveler's guide is not lacking in spirituality."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara: Nepal." Asian Art Outlook. Asia Society. 2002. 27 Apr 2007. http://www.askasia.org/features/AsianArt/slideshow2.htm
• The Bodhisattva Ideal - Buddhism and the Aesthetics of Selflessness." Exotic Indian Art. Article of the Month - June 2002. 27 Apr 2007. http://buddhism.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=buddhism&cdn=religion&tm=18&gps=75_902_905_380&f=20&tt=14&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.exoticindiaart.com/article/bodhisattva
• "Buddha: India." Asian Art Outlook. Asia Society. 2002. 27 Apr 2007. http://www.askasia.org/features/AsianArt/slideshow.htm
• "Jizo" Asian Art Outlook. Asia Society. 2002. 27 Apr 2007. http://www.askasia.org/features/AsianArt/slideshow16.htm

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