Early Buddhist Art Vocabulary Buddha Nirvana Karma Urna Ushnisha Mandala Stupa Aniconic Chaityas Torana Mandala Stupa Aniconic

Early Buddhism Buddha-the “Enlightened One” Indian prince, 6th century BCE Four Noble Truths: Everything is pain; pain is desire; extinction of desire is nirvana; following the path of Buddhism ends pain Ability to create good Karma for a better rebirth End of rebirthing cycle is achievement of Nirvana

The Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, 3 rd century BCE

Diagram of the Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, 3 rd century BCE

Torana, The Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, CE

Boh Tree, detail of the East Torana, Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, CE

Yakshi, The Great Stupa, Sanchi, India, CE

Seated Buddha, Gandhara, Pakistan, 2 nd -3 rd century CE Urna-spot on head, curl of hair Ushnisha-lump on top of head Buddha first depicted in human form in the 1 st century BC in India and Pakistan Similarity to Roman Gods

Buddhism in China-1 st century CE CE, China experienced civil unrest as a result of several conflicting dynasties Buddhism comes to China via the “Silk Road” from India Buddha-the “Enlightened One” Indian prince Four Noble Truths: Everything is pain; pain is desire; extinction of desire is nirvana; following the path of Buddhism ends pain Ability to create good Karma for a better rebirth End of rebirthing cycle is achievement of Nirvana

Sakyamuni Buddha, China, Zhau Dynasty, 338 CE Resembles prototype of the Pakistani Buddha Misrepresentation of meditation gesture