Subscribe HoaVoUu Youtube
Kính mời Subscribe kênh
YouTube Hoa Vô Ưu
Tác Giả Authors
Sitemap Hoavouu.com
Điền Email để nhận bài mới

Symbolism & The Arts of Buddhism

Thursday, December 8, 201619:30(View: 2042)
Symbolism & The Arts of Buddhism

Symbolism & The Arts of Buddhism
 
(excerpt from The Art of Living, Venerable Master Chin Kung)

Today, the quality of Buddhist music has deteriorated. We are short of talented people, not only Buddhist artists with creative talents. Therefore, a Buddhist artist has to be profoundly learned for only then can he or she truly teach others and convey truth, goodness, beauty and wisdom. Ancient masters with high spiritual achievements composed Buddhist musical lyrics, but because the minds of today's people who chant them are not pure, their expression of them is also not pure. Spiritually, they have yet to achieve a state of awakening and are thus unable to move us. The artistic decline is caused by the lack of talented practitioners, it does not mean that Buddhism lacks artistic substance.
blank
blank Anyone who has been to China and visited the Dunhuang murals or the Yungang grottoes, or the stone sutra texts found in Fangshan County, Beijing, knows how magnificent Chinese Buddhist artworks can be. The stone sutras were found in the years after the Cultural Revolution and are more extensive than the Great Buddhist Canon. Some of the sutras were translated at a later time than those in the Great Buddhist Canon. Fortunately,
they survived in the Fangshan site. The stone slabs are carved on both sides with each beautiful character the size of a thumb. The entire project took four hundred years to complete, equal in scale to the building of the Great Wall. This recently discovered collection includes tens of thousands of stone slabs stored in seven caves. At present, only two of the caves are open to the public. We were filled with awe and admiration when we saw these stone sutras and could not help but admire our ancestors for having preserved such a legacy for us.

Today, schools and museums are separated. However, the system of Buddhist universities is similar to a combination of school and museum, for the art forms are educational, not just artistic. They exhibit inspiration and wisdom not discernable by average people. For example, when people see the many images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, they conclude that Buddhists worship many deities and therefore Buddhism is a religion and one of low standards at that.

Many people believe that an advanced religion worships only one god. They do not understand that Buddhism is not a religion, that we do not worship the images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas but rather we regard them as teaching aids, which help us to understand the different methods of cultivation. One single image or method is insufficient to represent all phenomena in our world, so Buddhism uses many kinds of artistic works to represent them. Once we have understood the educational significance of Buddhist artistry, we will naturally give rise to admiration and appreciation.

All Buddhas symbolize our virtuous nature. All Bodhisattvas and Arhats symbolize the virtue of practice. Without the virtue of practice, the innate virtuous nature cannot be revealed. This complementary relationship is why the Buddha Table includes both Buddha and Bodhisattva images. The Buddha represents original nature and the Bodhisattvas represent the application of this nature. This original nature is empty, as it has no set form. All creations or form arise from this original nature and once there is form, there is application. The Buddha represents the original nature and the Bodhisattvas represent form and application. This is why in the Flower Adornment Sutra, the Buddha does not comment on the teachings, for the original nature that is empty has nothing to say. But the Bodhisattvas do have something to say since they apply the principles. Not only is the original nature unexplained but also no thoughts arise from it. The saying that “Whenever I open my mouth I blunder; whenever I have an idea I am wrong” is said in terms of original nature represented by one Buddha. Why are there two Bodhisattvas to represent application? The infinite and innumerable form and application are divided into two categories; wisdom and practice or understanding and behavior. Practice corresponds with understanding. Understanding is the principle and practice is the application.

blankStone Guanyin at Longmen Height: 13.3 cm (43 ft 7 in)
http://depts.washington.edu/chinaciv/bud/timgbodd.htm

Everything in Buddhism serves as a teaching aid. Even the offerings are educational. 
blank Buddha & Bodhisattvas blankBuddha Shakyamuni blankFlowers blankWooden Fish
blank Buddha Amitabha blankBuddhist Architecture blankFruits blankLamps
blankThe Hall of Heavenly Guardians blankWater blankHappy Buddha  
Send comment
Off
Telex
VNI
Your Name
Your email address
(View: 1987)
Asoka the Buddhist Emperor of India - Vincent A Smith
(View: 5205)
With the meaning of the word SYNERGY, let’s pray together in response to corona virus pandemic.
(View: 1833)
In the last 200 years the world has witnessed many contribution in areas of science, literature, philosophy and humanity social science in Germany.
(View: 3360)
Chanting: The Heart Sutra in English - SC Thích Giác Anh, Trú xứ Tự Viện Pháp Bảo, Sydney, Úc Châu
(View: 2796)
Buddhism initiates human rights, freedom and equality for all living beings. Buddhism is a religion that attains world peace, protecting and developing the environment for our planet.
(View: 3430)
Olaf Beuchling & Tuan Van Cong; Thích Như Điển as a pioneer of Vietnamese Buddhism in Germany: challenges and success stories between tradition and globalization
(View: 5813)
Đây là ấn bản tiếng Anh, “Luân Hồi trong Lăng Kính Lăng Nghiêm” của Ni sư Thích Nữ Giới Hương đã được ra mắt lần đầu vào năm 2008.
(View: 3378)
The truthful Bhikkhus walk of freedom, sowing the seeds of liberation and enlightenment to bring peace and joy to others.
(View: 8123)
By Bhikkhuni Hue Tran (Poems composed in days of retreat at Tao-Khe Tinh That) Translated into English by Nguyen Giac
(View: 3258)
To this day,1,000 years on, the palm leaf manuscripts are still helping to further research on the intellectual traditions, religious cults, literature and political ideas of South Asia.
(View: 2891)
It defines our lives, but what is time really? Have a look into its true nature.
(View: 3159)
Where Science and Buddhism Meet: Emptiness, Interconnectivity and the Nature of Reality. A nice video connecting the Buddhist notions and scientific discoveries. Originally done by Gerald Penilla. I made the subtitles in English and Chinese as the information inside is so concentrated.
(View: 2192)
Master Chin Kung - Method Shakyamuni Buddha Use to Attain Enlightenment
(View: 2133)
Master Chin Kung ▶ Most People Will End Up In Evil Realms After Death
(View: 1908)
Master Chin Kung ▶ Evil Minds Cause Disasters
(View: 1709)
Master Chin Kung ▶ How A Monk Escapes From Hell After 3 days
(View: 1613)
Master Chin Kung ▶ Karma of Hunting
(View: 1829)
Master Chin Kung Q&A ▶ How To Be Reborn Faster In Pureland
(View: 2233)
Master Chin Kung - "The Dharma Ending Age" - Master Chin Kung 2015
(View: 2400)
Let us not be blind by and Eye for an Eye by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2324)
A World Free Of Conflicts - Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2617)
Cause and effect (2)
(View: 2742)
Cause and effect (1)
(View: 3351)
Gentle heart and serene mind(01b)
(View: 3232)
Gentle heart and serene mind(01a)
(View: 2425)
12-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2237)
11-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2394)
10-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2400)
9-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 3060)
8-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 3251)
7-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2194)
6-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2236)
5-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2126)
4-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2125)
3-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2154)
2-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2239)
1-12《Buddhism : Wisdom of Compassion and Awakening》by Ven. Wu Ling
(View: 2137)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 24 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2229)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 23 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2182)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 22 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2177)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 21 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2106)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 20 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 3074)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 19 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2906)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 18 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2188)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 17 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2091)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 16 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2025)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 15 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2165)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 14 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2020)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 13 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1783)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 12 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2104)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 11 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1939)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 10 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2043)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 09 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1995)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 08 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2012)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 07 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 3320)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 06 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1960)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 05 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1770)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 04 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1918)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 03 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2731)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 02 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 1981)
Liao Fan's Four Lessons:Changing Destiny 01 by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2202)
Destiny can be changed, by Wu Ling Base on talks of Master Chin Kung, recorded at Amitabha Buddhist Society and Singapore Buddhist Lodge
(View: 1941)
A Good Teacher-by Vererable Master Wu Ling
(View: 1853)
Overcoming Greed and Anger 3
(View: 2862)
Overcoming Greed and Anger 2
(View: 2064)
Overcoming Greed and Anger 1
(View: 1819)
Letting go by Venerable Wu Ling
(View: 2106)
Awaken to the Buddha Within, Everything We Do Matters
(View: 2889)
Awaken to the Buddha Within, Everything We Do Matters
(View: 1970)
Awaken to the Buddha Within, Everything We Do Matters
(View: 1908)
Video clips of English Dharma talk given by famous Australian Bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) Venerable Master Wu Ling.
(View: 2111)
Video clips of English Dharma talk given by famous Australian Bhikkhuni (Buddhist nun) Venerable Master Wu Ling.
(View: 1673)
Venerable Master Chin Kung talks about the relations between main religions and confirms that all religions are brothers.
(View: 3164)
This treatise is of cardinal importance to those who wish to cultivate Buddhism and attain rebirth in Amita Buddha's Pureland.
(View: 2104)
This treatise is of cardinal importance to those who wish to cultivate Buddhism and attain rebirth in Amita Buddha's Pureland.
(View: 2111)
This treatise is of cardinal importance to those who wish to cultivate Buddhism and attain rebirth in Amita Buddha's Pureland.
(View: 2356)
This treatise is of cardinal importance to those who wish to cultivate Buddhism and attain rebirth in Amita Buddha's Pureland.
(View: 3702)
Using your thoughts to change your life and the world.
(View: 2175)
Using your thoughts to change your life and the world.
(View: 2243)
Using your thoughts to change your life and the world.
(View: 2174)
Using your thoughts to change your life and the world.
(View: 2326)
Taking refuge in the Triple Jewels restores the complete wisdom and abilities of our Self-Nature. We will attain Purity, Equality, Honesty, Contentment, Compassion, and overall, True Happiness.
(View: 2210)
Please Do Not Have Abortions - Venerable Master Chin Kung - English Subtitle
(View: 2142)
Please Do Not Have Abortions - Venerable Master Chin Kung - English Subtitle
(View: 2161)
Please Do Not Have Abortions - Venerable Master Chin Kung - English Subtitle
(View: 2714)
The Buddha’s manifestation of how an ordinary being became a Buddha。
(View: 2174)
Earthlings is a 2005 American documentary film about humanity's use of other animals as pets, food, clothing, entertainment, and for scientific research
(View: 2856)
One of the methods the Buddha taught is Pure Land Buddhism.
(View: 5921)
The painting of the “Scenes of the Hells” displays the truth of human suffering after falling into the vast depths of hells
(View: 2780)
Harmony is invaluable and it is what we all wish for but where does it come from? It comes from equality, without which, there will be no lasting peace.
(View: 3400)
This treatise is of cardinal importance to those wish to cultivate Buddhism and attain rebirth in Amita Buddha's Pureland. It includes commentary and notes to help readers better understand this classic Buddhist/Taoist moral text.
(View: 3033)
The Ten Recitation method is a sim­ple, convenient, and effective way of prac­ticing Buddha Recitation.
(View: 3387)
Understand true face of destiny,provide living proof of the benefits from practicing good deeds and cultivating virtue and humility.
(View: 2557)
“Power of Peace: Building Peace Through Communication and Information” UNESCO Global Forum Bali, Indonesia, January 21-23, 2007 By Ven. Prof. Chin Kung
(View: 3267)
Talk given by Venerable Master Chin Kung; January 4, 2006; Hong Kong Buddha’s Education Association
(View: 2497)
Several groups of practitioners from China, the USA, and Taiwan are here to visit us.
(View: 3793)
Putting Buddhism to Work: A New Approach to Management and Business. Author: Shinichi Inoue
(View: 3882)
I was at the Sunday morning service at the Ch'an Meditation Center. The speaker lectured on and on as we all sat cross-legged on cushions on the carpet.
Quảng Cáo Bảo Trợ
Get a FREE Online Menu and Front Door: Stand Banner Menu Display for Your Restaurant
Gủi hàng từ MỸ về VIỆT NAM