I chose the videos on Buddhism and Hinduism because I’ve always been interested in what makes religious beliefs different. I found the short description in the text to give a taste of what Buddhist and Hindus beliefs are but I wanted to know more.
The text, Living with Art, states of Buddhism, that in order for one to be free they must follow a “path of moral and ethical behavior” (page 429). The main belief is that a person can reach an enlightened state unconnected to the physical world. This Nirvana is a release from the cycle of life and death. In doing so one would free themselves of all personal worldly desires, by finding their own way. The religion was named after its spiritual leader Siddhartha Gautama, who was seeking to find more to life even though he had all material things and services one could desire. He became known as Buddha
Stupas, memorial mounds, are story telling pieces of architectural art. Story telling pictures are meticulously carved into the stone gateways surrounding the Great Stupa as well as the stupa itself showing parts of the Buddha’s life. However, he is represented symbolically as a tree, a horse or cherub. These carvings are similar to those that would have been completed in wood and inspired future art. There are 5 kilometers, over 1400 in all, carvings that people would flock to in search of answers to enlightenment. The whole thing is in the shape of a Lotus, sacred flower of Buddha. The Lotus flower is also seen in architecture in the United States in the Chuang Yen Monastery in New York City. There are also hundreds of Buddha cherub statues found there. These serene temples are a representation of heaven here on Earth.
According to the text, the symbolic Buddha statue came into being as people looked for a god to pray to. It’s ironic since Siddhartha Gautama believed that each person needed to find their own peace to move on form this world. The video gave me a good look into what Buddhism is and how it got its roots. The video was very calming to watch from the beautiful images to the soothing music.
The video Hinduism explored their art and architecture. As also stated in the text, Living with Art, the video discusses the beliefs of Hinduism. They also believe in a cyclical life of birth, death and rebirth going on and on with the goal of freedom from the continual cycle. Hindus hope to die in Varanasi to be able to end the cycle and return to heaven. Their art and architecture is relevant to their worship of many gods. Worship can take place any where but the temples are elaborate in decoration. Certain temples are dedicated to certain gods, even the god of Shiva, the one who brings death. Hindus want to let go of worldly needs and desires. The carvings and many sculptures in and around the temples portray the many gods and the stories that go with them. A common theme is to have fantastical gods along side the common man as they are both in search of the same ultimate goal. They first began carvings using wood and later turned to stone. As time went on the carvings became more elaborate. The rising of the roof tops is discussed in both the text and the video.
Hindu art also displays their tolerance of many beliefs as different gods are carved within the same piece. Contrary to secular and many other Christian beliefs, Hindu art displays sex in an un-shameful manner, Hindus feel it shows creative love given from Brahma, god of creation, for everyone.
This video opened my eyes to how art can express beliefs as well as openness. Hinduism seems to be open to all and the art in its sculptures portrays that.
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