Buddhism and its arts have existed for more than 2500 years, weaving their way with minks and pilgrims through broad areas of the Asian continent and across seas, mingling with the arts and styles of indigenous cultures. This book explores the complex imagery and teachings of Buddhism, whose iconography and symbolism can often seem as challenging as the search for enlightenment itself. All the principal symbols, objects and figures of worship are gathered here in a rich, informative and easy-to-use book that will serve equally well as an art lover's reference tool and as an introduction to the principles of the religion itself. After introducing the early history of Buddhism and its subsequent spread, the book presents the main figures of worship -- the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, protectors of the faith and historical personages -- and explains their origins, characters and identifying features. The signs, symbols and ritual objects of Buddhist worship are clearly described and illustrated, and there is also an overview of major Buddhist sites throughout the world. Photographs and specially commissioned two-color line drawings and maps accompany the text, with subject names given in all relevant languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan, Thai, Japanese etc.) in standard English transcriptions. With a comprehensive glossary of key Buddhist terms and a well researched bibliography, this book will be indispensable to anyone with an interest in Buddhism and its arts.
Reading Buddhist Art, Meher McArthur, Thames & Hudson, Hardcover, 216 pages, 304 illustrations, $31.95
McArthur is Curator of East Asian Art at Pacific Asia Museum, Pasadena.
Acknowledgments |
7 |
Preface |
8 |
Introduction |
9 |
The Buddhist Pantheon |
|
Shakyamuni |
27 |
Bhaishajyaguru |
31 |
Maitreya |
33 |
Vairochana |
35 |
Akshobhya |
37 |
Amitabha, Amitayus |
39 |
Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi |
41 |
Avalokiteshvara |
43 |
Tara |
47 |
Akashagarbha |
49 |
Kshitigarbha |
51 |
Manjushri |
53 |
Samantabhadra |
55 |
Vajrapani |
57 |
Yama |
59 |
Yamantaka |
61 |
Mahakala |
63 |
Lokapala (Guardian Kings) |
65 |
Vaishravana, Kubera |
67 |
Gate Guardians |
69 |
The Five Kings of Mystical Knowledge |
71 |
Yidams |
73 |
Devas |
75 |
Prajnaparamita, Sarasvati, Marici |
77 |
Dakinis, Rakshas, Shaktis |
79 |
Ashuras, Yakshas, Apsaras |
81 |
Arhats |
83 |
Bodhidharma |
85 |
Padmasambhava |
87 |
Xuanzang, Atisha |
89 |
Kobo Daishi |
91 |
Facial Features |
93 |
The Thirty-Two Marks of a Great Man |
95 |
Hairstyles, Crowns and Headdresses |
97 |
Jewelry and Adornments |
99 |
Thrones and Aureoles |
101 |
Standing and Walking Postures |
103 |
Sitting Postures |
105 |
Lying Position |
107 |
Embracing Postures |
109 |
Gestures of Fearlessness, Gift Giving |
111 |
Gestures of Explanation, Turning of the Wheel of the Law |
113 |
Gestures of Earth-Touching, Meditation |
115 |
Fist of Wisdom, Gesture of Prayer |
117 |
Signs, Symbols and Ritual Objects |
|
The Eight Auspicious Symbols |
119 |
Footprints |
121 |
The Wheel of the Law |
123 |
Lotus |
125 |
Precious Jewel |
127 |
Swastika |
129 |
Trees |
131 |
Mountains |
133 |
Real Animals |
135 |
Mythical Animals |
137 |
Diamond Thunderbolt |
139 |
Weapons and Instruments |
141 |
Daggers and Choppers |
143 |
Musical Instruments |
145 |
Water and Flower Containers |
147 |
Begging Bowls and Skull Cups |
149 |
Incense Burners |
151 |
Prayer Beads |
153 |
Robes and Hats |
155 |
Prayer Wheel |
157 |
Stupas and Pagodas |
159 |
Altars and Shrines |
161 |
Sanskrit Letters |
163 |
Sacred Texts |
165 |
Zen Ink Painting and Calligraphy |
167 |
The Six Realms of Rebirth |
169 |
Hell Scenes |
171 |
Paradise Scenes |
173 |
Mandalas |
175 |
Major Buddhist Sites |
|
Bodh Gaya, India |
177 |
Sanchi, India |
179 |
Ajanta, India |
181 |
Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka |
183 |
Pagan, Burma |
185 |
Sukhothai, Thailand |
187 |
Angkor, Cambodia |
189 |
Borobodur, Indonesia |
191 |
Bamiyan, Afghanistan |
193 |
Potala Palace, Tibet |
195 |
Longmen Caves, China |
197 |
Sokkuram, Korea |
199 |
Todaiji, Japan |
201 |
Ryoanji, Japan |
203 |
Glossary of Key Buddhist Terms |
204 |
Further Reading |
209 |
Illustration Acknowledgments |
210 |
Index |
211 |
|