Buddhism Essay

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We live in a world full of different religions and all of them have, for the most part, a lot of similarities between them. Some of said similarities include beliefs or practices, art, statuary and architecture or buildings such as temples or churches. They serve as reminders of teachings or beliefs and also a place to gather and worship. The architecture or structures are so revered by the people who build them that they themselves become intricate works of art. Another form in use is statues. Most religions use some form of statuary as shrines to visit or pray to, also as a representation of the image portrayed by their chosen religion. A religion with a strong representation of this practice is Buddhism. Today, Buddhism is recognized as one of the world’s major religions. Buddhism as a religion began in India between the 5th and 6th centuries (Dehejia, 2007). A young prince by the name of Siddhartha Gotama, born in Lumbini, which is the modern day Nepal, came to the conclusion that worldly positions and monetary riches would not ultimately bring him true happiness. Siddhartha spent the next six years meditating and studying different philosophies in search of enlightenment. In his studies, Siddhartha came to what he called “the middle path”( Lowenstein and Bently,2006). According to, Lowenstein and Bently, after his enlightenment Siddhartha was then known as the Buddha, which is derived from the word budhi that means to awaken. The Buddha then spent the rest of his life, until his death at age 80, teaching his principles. He called these principles the Dhamma, or Truth. Even though today it is known as Buddhism, it’s founder referred to it as Dhamma-Vinaya, which means “the doctrine and discipline”. Buddhism uses art in the fo... ... middle of paper ... ...odhi Temple. This temple is the oldest brick structure in India and is built on the spot where Siddhartha Gotama reached his enlightenment (Huntington, 1985). In conclusion Buddhism is a religion steeped in traditions and emphasized through art and structure. It is no small wonder that Buddhism’s widespread popularity will continue to grow and thrive. These representations of art and religion will no doubt continue to draw pilgrams and followers. Śaśibālā, , and Chandra Lokesh. Buddhist Art: In Praise of the Divine. New Delhi: Lustre Press, 2003. Print. Lowenstein, Tom, and Peter Bently. Treasures of the Buddha: The Glories of Sacred Asia. London: Duncan Baird, 2006. Print. Sowing the Seeds of the Lotus: A Journey to the Great Pilgrimage Sites of Buddhism, Part I" by John C. Huntington. Orientations, November 1985.Print.

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