Buddhist Architecture and Mahāyāna Buddhism Concepts

Buddhist Architecture in South Asia

  • The Stupa:

    • A burial mound for the Buddha.

    • Formed at sites of the Buddha’s major events.

    • Commemorates miracles.

    • The worship of stupas is a common element across all Asian countries.

Stupa as Symbol

  • Symbol of Buddha’s Absence:

    • Burial mound serves as a reminder of the Buddha’s death and the concept of impermanence.

  • Symbol of Buddha’s Presence:

    • Stupas act as a focus for reverence and an opportunity for gaining merit.

Notable Stupas

  • Sanchi Stupa Profile.

  • Sarnath Stupa.

  • Tibetan Stupa.

  • Modern Tibetan Style Stupa in Colorado.

Theravada Art - Buddha Images

  • Transition from aniconic to iconic representations of the Buddha.

Mudras

  • Definition: Mudras are symbolic bodily gestures; specific hand gestures associated with Buddha images.

  • Significance: Mudras have symbolic meanings, often utilized in ritualized and stylized poses.

    • Can involve both hands and different objects.

    • Each combination of gestures has specific meanings.

Phases of Buddhist History in South Asia

  • Early South Asian Period:

    • Mainstream Buddhism (Nikaya Buddhism): 500 BCE - 100 BCE.

  • Middle South Asian Period:

    • Sanskritic Buddhism: 100 BCE - 600 CE.

  • Late South Asian Period:

    • Syncretic Buddhism: 600 - 1200 CE.

Spread of Buddhism

  • To the South and Southeast: Theravada Buddhism, a form of Nikaya Buddhism with its canon in Pali.

  • To the North and East: Various traditions utilizing canons in Sanskrit and/or local vernacular literature.

The Geographic Spread of Buddhism

  • Referenced in Oxtoby, p. 210.

The Three Turnings of the Dharma-Wheel

  • The First Turning:

    • Mainstream Buddhisms, particularly the teachings at Sarnath, focusing on the Four Truths.

  • The Second Turning:

    • The Perfection of Wisdom Sutras at Vulture’s Peak discussing concepts such as Emptiness and Interdependence.

  • The Third Turning:

    • Many sutras, chiefly the Samdhinirmocana as taught at Vaisali, focusing on the mind as the ground of existence.

Mahāyāna Buddhism

  • Starts at the beginning of the Second Phase (Sanskritic).

    • Also known as the “Great Vehicle” (Mahāyāna).

    • Contrasts with Nikāya Buddhisms (including Theravāda), described pejoratively as the “Lesser Vehicle” (Hīnayāna).

Misconceptions about Mahāyāna

  • Initially thought to be started primarily by lay people or monks. Misunderstood in popularity and significance within India.

  • Texts often misinterpreted as evidence of practice when they may not adequately represent actual practices.

  • Spread of Mahāyāna Buddhism:

    • Entered China (300-600 CE), Korea (400 CE), Japan from Korea (600 CE), and Tibet & Mongolia (700-800 CE).

    • Noted the decline of Buddhism in India around 1200 CE, as it was absorbed by Hinduism.

Mahāyāna Buddhism - The Great Vehicle

  • Definition & description of Mahāyāna as the vehicle of the Bodhisattva or the vehicle of perfections.

  • Bodhicitta: The altruistic intention to achieve omniscient Buddhahood for the sake of all sentient beings.

  • The aim of Mahāyāna Buddhism is the perfect awakening of fully realized complete Buddhahood.

Bodhisattva

  • A being who seeks the highest Awakening, often forsaking lower nirvāṇa to aid all sentient beings.

  • Practices six “perfections” (paramitas):

    • Giving (dāna).

    • Morality (śila).

    • Patience (kṣānti).

    • Energetic diligence (vīrya).

    • Meditation (dhyāna).

    • Wisdom (prajñā).

Advanced Bodhisattvas

  • Tārā: Often referred to as the "Mother of Liberation", she is a female Bodhisattva appearing in all Mahāyāna Buddhist traditions, especially prominent in Tibetan Buddhism. She represents the virtues of success in work and achievements, protection from fears, and aiding in the journey towards enlightenment.