A compare and contrast essay
A compare and contrast essay
Introduction
Originated and developed in Indian subcontinent, Buddhism is one of the most important religions across the globe. Founded by Lord Buddha (Bhikku, 2001), this religion emphasises a peaceful and righteous life to the supreme salvation to free man from the viscous cycle of birth and death on earth. Lord Buddha has been depicted in multifarious forms in various nations, especially in Asia. It is interesting to note the contrast between two of his famous forms being used for worshipping- The seated Buddha Amitabha and the Buddha Amitayus. Magnificently crafted, both of these forms of Lord Buddha are an example of artistic excellence and spiritual magnitude; these easily attract the attention of an art-lover. And as one analyzes the two forms, it becomes clear how diverse are the aspects of the art and architecture in Buddhist culture yet directs to the greatness of one Supreme Power. This short essay aims at comparing the two famous forms of Lord Buddha in terms of historical background, spiritual importance and artistic elements yet showing the common link of peace and salvation to Buddhism.
Historical significance
The seated Buddha Amitabha is considered to be the Buddha of the Western Paradise, also known as the Buddha of Infinite Light. The images of this form of Buddha was created on
a large scale during the eleventh and twelfth centuries because of the recognition of a Buddhist sect known as Pure Land (Asian Art Museum, 2012). On the other hand, Buddha Amitayus who is considered to be the Buddha of Eternal Life, is one of the five Cosmic Buddhas of Esoteric Buddhism (The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2013).
Belonging to the Buddhist culture, these realistic statues are of great religious as well as spiritual importance. The artists or sculptor is not specifically known here but Buddha Amitabha was constructed in the Heian Period. And Buddha Amitayus was constructed during the reign of Qianlong Emperor of Quing dynasty.
Physical Elements
One of the most interesting features of these great statues to note is the difference in embellishments. The seated Buddha Amitabha is a plain monk who seems to be in a divine meditation. But Buddha Amitayus is adorned with jewels and precious superfluities. There is simplicity associated with every aspect of Buddha Amitabha but opulence in case of Buddha Amitayus.
In spite of this huge difference in presentation of the two forms of Lord Buddha, there is a common trait- a sense of serenity which reflects from the poise. Carved in wood and polished with lacquer, Buddha Amitabha, seated on a lotus with his eyes half-closed eyes and hands held together depicts the demeanour of a simple monk in meditation (Asian Art Museum, 2012). It has been constructed using a special technique that includes multiple blocks of woods being joined into one statue. Dressed in the usual robe of a Buddhist monk, this form elucidates power of his face without any extravagance. The word ‘extravagance’ here does not intend to show disrespect to the embellished presentation of Buddha Amitayus whose powerful poise decked in jewels
reflects the wealth of good health and longevity. Carved in gilt wood and then lacquered, Buddha Amitayus with its golden brown tint with its Chinese lacquer dyed red with cinnabar, is a great piece of artistic work.
Cultural context: Symbolism
There is a huge content of meaningful symbolism in both Buddha Amitabha and the Buddha Amitayus. Let’s begin with the embellished one- Amitayus. The illustration is embellished; it is way more jewelled that the Amitabha but it solely symbolises a body free from diseases and hence a body without miseries. It is a crucial symbol for which Amitayus is worshipped. In many paintings and statues of the Amitayus, one can see a vessel contain nectar in his hands- that symbolises longevity again (Buddha Amitayus, 2013). Here, one can see the crown, armlets, anklets and bracelets adorning the gilt wood statue.
On the other hand, Amitabha is also brimming over with symbols of great meanings. It is not jewelled like Amitayus but still has many symbols to analyse. The lotus petals on which he is seated- it is considered to be a holy flower because it grows up pure in spite of being in a muddy swamp (Kyoto National Museum, 2013). The curly hair of Amitabha with a cranial bulge on top symbolises Buddha’s supernatural powers (Asian Art Museum, 2012). So does hi half-closed eyes and hand gesture which indicate meditation!
In a Personal Point of View
In a personal point of view, Buddhism and Lord Buddha are very logical and inspirational religious entities to know and learn from. Not a matter on atheism or theism, but for general peace in life, certain teachings of Lord Buddha hold great importance. And the diversity of his preaching can be very well seen through these two statues- The Seated Buddha Amitabha
and The Buddha Amitayus. One reveals the significance of simplicity and enlightenment; other illuminates the power of true wealth i.e. good health. When seen from an artistic point of view, these statues are the instances of brilliant historic art from several centuries before. And from spiritual point of view, these speak for the Buddhist perception of life. Even with the jewels on Amitayus, it is the importance of a body free from miseries which is being indicated. That is why these become such revered pieces of spiritual art and sculpture form ancient Asia.
Conclusion
References
- Asia Art Museum. “Seated Buddha Amitabha (Japanese: Amida)” 2012. Retrieved on 23 May 2013 from Web http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/artwork/seated-buddha-amitabha-japanese-amida
- Bhikku, Thanissaro (2001). "Refuge". An Introduction to the Buddha, Dhamma, &Sangha.Access to Insight. Retrieved from Web on 23 May 2013 http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/refuge.html#goi.
- Kyoto National Museum. “The Lotus Pedestal Character Lotus”. 2013. Retrieved on 23 May 2013 from Web http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/eng/dictio/data/shoseki/
- The Official Website for Dechen Choekor Mahavihara. ‘Buddha Amitayus (Tib: Tse-Pameh)’. 2013. Retrieved on 23 May 2013 from Web http://www.drukpachoegon.info/lineage-practices/buddha-amitayus.aspx
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Amitayus Buddha in His Paradise”. 2013. Retrieved on 23 May 2013 from Web http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/60046263
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art. “Buddha probably Amitabha”. 2013. Retrieved on 23 May 2013 from Web http://www.metmuseum.org/Collections/search-the-collections/60009594
