This illustrates the cycle of birth, death and rebirth
(Samsara.) The
wheel is held by a demon called Yama. He represents impermanence. In the
centre there are a cock, a snake and a pig. These symbolise the evils of
desire, hatred and delusion respectively, which obstruct the way to
enlightenment. Around them are 5 or 6 different sections. These show the
different circumstances into which one can be reborn depending on ones
past acts (Karma) which is represented by the outside ring. These range
from the carefree state of the gods (Devas) to the torments of
hell.
From the 2nd century AD Buddha began to be shown in
human form. Scenes showing
the life of Buddha were as popular then as now.
Their statues and pictures of Buddha look very much the same.
Posture (asana) is standard. Buddha is seen standing, walking sitting or
lying down. This is because they obey strict rules set out, in Buddhist
Texts, from the 3rd century AD. These cover things such as the way the
robes fall, the direction the hair curls and the proportions of the body. Such things are important, as Buddhist art is more than
decorative. The tight curl of the hair is a sign of an important man.
Buddha's long earlobes are a sign that he came from a noble family.
Feelings and beliefs are also expressed through the
position of the hands
(Mudra.) The Bhumisparsa is a classic position. The
sitting Buddha's right hand touches the ground. This harks back to the
time, when meditating under the Bodhi tree, that Buddha was tormented by
the demon Mara. Buddha called on the earth (by touching it) to witness his
determination not to move until he had attained enlightenment. Thus that
position shows that Buddha is unmoved by worldly distractions.
Despite the rules distinctive schools of Buddhist
art have developed. Indian Buddha's have a distinctive shape the shoulders
and chest is broad, the waist is slim and the stomach is small.
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