buddhism + hinduism vocab

axis-mundi

the “axis of the world” or “cosmic axis” marks sacred sites and denotes a link between Heaven and Earth.

Bhakti movement

devotional movement based on ideas expressed in ancient texts, especially the Bhagavad Gita. Revolves around the ideal relationship between

humans/gods. Gods create the illusion we are trapped in and can also present the truth. Stresses a personal relationship with god and complete devotion and surrender to god; produced very humanistic works as a byproduct

Bodhisattva

a deity who refrains from entering nirvana to help others; often portrayed on the sides of Buddha

Buddha

a fully enlightened being. There are many Buddhas, the most famous of whom is Shakyamuni, aka Siddhartha Gautama

Chaitya

a rock-cut shrine in basilican form with a stupa at the endpoint

corbel arch

a vault formed by layers of stone that gradually grown closer together as they rise and eventually meet in a triangular shape.

horror vacui

fear of empty space; filling of the entire surface of a space or an artwork with detail

mandala

a geometric figure or architectural space representing the universe in Hindu and Buddhist symbolism

Mudra

a symbolic hand gesture in Hindu and Buddhist art

Nirvana

an afterlife in which reincarnation ends and the soul becomes one with the supreme spirit

Samsara

Sanskrit meaning “round” or “cycle.” Refers to the endless cycle of rebirth and death- there is no beginning and no end. Governed by karma (causality)

Shakyamuni Buddha

The historical Buddha; aka Siddhartha Gautama

Shiva

the Hindu god of creation and destruction

Torana

a gateway near a stupa that has two upright posts and three horizontal lintels

Urna

a circle or dot between the brows of a deity, sometimes represented as a focal point

Ushnisha

a protrusion at the top of the head, or the top knot of a Buddha

Vairocana Buddha

the celestial, universal, or spiritual Buddha.

Vishnu

the Hindu god of protection

Yaksha/Yakshi

male and female figures of fertility in Buddhist and Hindu art