Visual analysis of Shakyamuni Buddha and iconography

Art

"The Buddha's teachings remained an oral tradition for several centuries after his death but gradually written scripture evolved into a significant art form providing not only textual information but artistic and symbolic inspiration."

To fully appreciate Buddhist art and sculpture is to first understand something of the Buddhist culture and religion as they represent the primary influences that have shaped and inspired an art which speaks so clearly of life, and the journey toward enlightenment through the use of imagery, symbolism, rich color, and exquisite pattern.

The word Buddha means "awakened one" or "enlightened one" and was the name given to a person that had evolved into an enlightened or awakened state. Before enlightenment Buddha was an ordinary, mortal person who through much study and discipline developed positive qualities by eliminating the negative ones thus achieving an enlightened state of being.

This enlightened state or "Buddha" is when one has reached the peak of evolution and he/she is omniscient. Mortals or ordinary people live in a dream-like state or illusion preventing them from seeing the truth whereas Buddha wisdom understands and knows truth.

Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha or Gautama Buddha as he is sometimes referred to was born a prince around 2500 years ago in Nepal, India. His father, the king, sought out a sage who predicted the prince would become either a great king or a great spiritual leader.

Wanting the prince to be his successor, the king kept Shakyamuni away from all influences that could lead him toward a spiritual life. A very intelligent youngster, he grew up amidst the palace luxury, became an accomplished sportsman in his adolescence-much to the king's pleasure, and eventually married a beautiful young woman who bore him a son.

At the age of twenty-nine Shakyamuni became aware of the vast suffering in the world. An awakening of sorts, he now recognized the problems of sickness, old age, and death, perhaps for the first time in his entire life. Determined to find a way to end suffering, he took drastic measures by leaving his wife and son, the luxury of the palace life, and even his royal clothing behind before embarking on a spiritual quest.

Shakyamuni studied under various teachers and followed their practices until he learned them all. His first teacher, Alara Kalama taught a form of meditation leading to "the state of no-thingness" a state without moral or cognitive dimension. Disillusioned, Shakyamuni realized this was not going to solve the problem of suffering and continued on his sojourn.

The next teacher, Vdraka Ramaputra, taught him meditative absorption leading to the "state of neither perception nor non-perception." Again, he realized this was not what he was seeking. Next he tried extreme ascetic practices at Uruvilva in North India. Shakyamuni nearly died of starvation following this practice.

Nearly six years of seeking wisdom and truth, he now realized he was just wearing down his body, the results of which were not insights but only weakness and self-destruction. He gave up extreme asceticism.

Shakyamuni next moved to a place called Bodhgaya, also in Northern India, and settled himself under a Bodhi tree where he determined to remain until he found truth. Within a relatively short time he became fully awakened, or enlightened and thus now a Buddha. He actualized all positive potentials of a mortal being, ridding himself of all negative qualities. At that point, he realized the true nature of existence and suffering (emptiness) and how suffering can be ended.

Seven weeks after enlightenment he gave his first discourse, the Four Noble Truths. They are:

1. Life means suffering.

2. Origin of suffering is attachment.

3. The cessation of suffering is attainable.

4. The path to cessation of suffering.

The Shakyamuni Buddha Sculpture

The 14th century Buddha Shakyamuni sculpture is from northwestern Nepal and is part of the Himalayan collection on display at the Rubin Museum of Art. Cast in the Khasa Malla Kingdom of the western Himalayas made of gilt copper alloy with inlay and is a superb example of Newar artistry without the elaborate embellishments. The historical Buddha is seated in the lotus or meditation posture (vajrasana) with one hand resting in the lap and the other in a gesture that calls the earth to witness his great resolve. Earrings inlaid with turquoise adorn the Buddha's elongated ear lobes and are said to symbolize his royal background.

The Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted in a most typical pose, that of meditation. There are other symbolic representations as well. There is the cranial protuberance (ushnisha) symbolizing supernatural wisdom. The mark between the eyes (urna) is symbolic of spiritual illumination. The helmet-like headpiece (ushnisha) is topped by a knob representing a symbolic jewel (cudamani). His monk's robe hosts decorative borders reminiscent of former princely raiment.

When first studying the Shakyamuni Buddha, even the uninitiated eye will recognize the religious influence and symbolism. At first glance it is evident Buddha is in a state of repose. Tranquility shows in his face as his eyes are half closed signifying that a state of meditation.

The Lotus position with legs crossed is almost universally known as symbolic of meditation. Still, it does add to the overall sense of tranquility. Buddha's hand positions speak clearly of its symbolic meaning- Buddha's resolve - perhaps more significantly than his face or eyes. The uninitiated could easily mistake Buddha's half closed eyes as someone merely sleepy after a heavy meal, but the hands are indicative of action and meaning -- a person can sense there is symbolic meaning in the position of the hands.