Rise of Mahayana and Development of Art (Gandhara, Mathura and other Schools)
Mahayana Buddhism-2/”>Buddhism is sometimes called Northern Buddhism. It is mainly followed by monks and nuns, and is largely found throughout China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Nepal, Russia, Tibet, and Vietnam.
The reign of Kanishka is known for the rise of the new cult of Buddhism known as the Mahayana cult or sect. There were any causes which were responsible for the rise of Mahayana Buddhism.
First the old form of Buddhism, known as the Hinayana Buddhism, had now become quite out-of-date. It was based on icy idealism and lacked realism. It had no emotional appeal. Its chief doctrines of self-suffering, non-violence and self-discipline were too difficult to be followed by common people. So the need of some sort of reformed religion as keenly felt by the people.
Secondly, Hinayana Buddhism sect was mean to suit the Indian nationality alone but it could not serve the purpose of Kanishka’s subjects which were composed of different nationalities. To them a religion based on a personal God, devotion and faith had a greater appeal.
Thirdly, with the fall of the Magadhan Empire, Pataliputra the seat of Buddhist orthodoxy, lost much of its importance and became only a secondary city in India. Without this decrease in the importance of Pataliputra, the rise of a new cult in Buddhism would have become very difficult.
Fourthly, a dispute over many doctrines of Buddhism had lately become so acute that it required an immediate settlement.
Fourth Buddhist Council
Keeping all these things in view Kanishka called a Buddhist council, the fourth of its kind, at Kundalvana, near Srinagar in Kashmir. It was attended by about 500 monks and scholars on the Buddhist theology. The chief among them were Vasumitra, Asvaghosa, Nagarjuna and Parshva. It is generally believed that Vasumitra was the President and Asvaghosa was the Vice-President of this Council. Two important results were achieved in this Council.
One was the writing of commentaries on the sacred Buddhist texts” The Tripitakas.” Most of these commentaries were compiled in a book-form known as “Mahavibhasha”, which is generally regarded as the Encyclopedia of Buddhism.
The other was the division of the Buddhist Church into two sects—the Hinayana Buddhism and the Mahayana Buddhism. The Mahayana sect was recognized at the state religion by Kanishka.
Mathura and Gandhara also strongly influenced each other. During their artistic florescence, the two regions were even united politically under the Kushans, both being capitals of the empire.
The rise of Mahayana system of Buddhism during The Kushana rule provided golden opportunity to the Mathura artists to show their talent in creation of Buddhist images and icons. In that work they did not need foreign influence like the Gandhara artists. The Mathura school of art developed on Indian traditions.
Instead of looking at Greek sculptures for inspiration, the Mathura sculptors developed their own distinct style of work. They found enough material from Buddhist Jataka storeis, from the life-events of Gautama Buddha, from his divine birth, renunciation, enlightenment, sermons at many places, and his Mahaparinirvana.
Since Mathura was within the Kushana Empire, the scupltors who were known as the Salia-Rupakaras received enough of royal patronage. They met the royal demand and requirement of outside countries by carving countless images of Buddha. Those images presented divine attributes of the Lord in various mudras like the famous Abhaya-Mudra of Buddha. Bodhisattva images also received Indian traditional faith as expected of divinities.
The Gandhara school of Art did not stop only with Buddhist images. From traditional Brahmanical faith, the artists carved out images of Kubera, and of Yakshas, Yakshinis and Nagas. Side by side, they also carved out Brahmanical and Jaina divinities. They also constructed stone railings, female figures and decorative stone panels with floral designs.
Besides religious sculptures, the Gandhara School of Art carved secular statues according to need. The finest example of this art is seen in the life-size statue of Kushana Emperor Kanishka. The King stands in royal posture with majestic dignity. His robes were typical of the Kushana era. The legacy of the Mathura art reached its culminating height during the Gupta Era which saw a puranic religious revival.
Main Differences Between Mathura School of Arts and Gandhara School of Arts-
(1) Origin
Mathura School: No foreign Influence, however, later it cross fertilized with the Gandhara School. Its development took place indigenously.
Gandhara School: Strong Greek influence. Was based on Greco-Roman norms encapsulating foreign techniques and an alien spirit. It is also known as Graeco-Buddhist School of art. Initially inspired by Yaksha Images Assimilating various traits of Acamenian, Parthian and Bactrian traditions into the local tradition is a hallmark of the Gandhara style. Initially inspired by Hellenistic features.
Mathura School: Early period:Light volume having fleshy body. Later Period:Flashiness reduced. Buddha carved out in various Mudras. Not much attention to detailed sculpting. Buddha is stout.
Gandhara School: Finer details and realistic images. Buddha carved out in various Mudras. Curly hair, anatomical accuracy, spatial depth, and foreshortening. Buddha is sometimes thin.
(4) Halo
Mathura School: The halo around the head of Buddha was profusely decorated. Images are less expressive.
Buddha with decorated Halo
Gandhara School: Not decorated, generally.The images are very expressive.
Amaravati School of Art
In Amaravati, situated in the eastern Deccan, Andhra Pradesh, a different type of art form evolved and flourished for nearly six centuries commencing from 200-100 BC. Patronized first by the Satavahanas and later by the Ikshvakus and also by other groups.
The Amaravati school of art occupies a pre-eminent position in the history of Indian Art. With its beginning in 3rd century BC the Amaravati unfolds its chapters through the galaxy of sculptural wealth that designed the Mahachaityas.
The lotus and the purnakumbha motifs are typical of Amaravati Art expressing auspiciousness and abundance.
White Marble was used in this art and the themes were Buddha’s life and Jatakas tales. The curly hairs of Buddha is a feature that is influenced by the Greeks.
In this school, the Kings, Princes, Palaces etc. have got prominence.
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Mahayana Buddhism is one of the two major schools of Buddhism, along with Theravada. It is the dominant form of Buddhism in East Asia, and is also practiced in parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the West.
Mahayana Buddhism is characterized by its emphasis on the bodhisattva ideal, the goal of achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. Bodhisattvas are beings who have vowed to postpone their own nirvana until all beings have been liberated from suffering.
Another key concept in Mahayana Buddhism is the doctrine of emptiness. Emptiness is the realization that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence. This means that things do not have an independent, unchanging self-nature. This realization is said to lead to liberation from suffering.
The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist teaching. They are:
Suffering exists.
Suffering is caused by attachment.
Suffering can be ended.
The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.
The Eightfold Path is a set of guidelines for living a moral and ethical life. It includes:
Right understanding
Right thought
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration
Great compassion is the desire to help all beings free themselves from suffering. It is one of the most important qualities of a bodhisattva.
Great wisdom is the understanding of emptiness and the Four Noble Truths. It is the key to liberation from suffering.
The Heart Sutra is one of the most important texts in Mahayana Buddhism. It is a short sutra that expounds on the doctrine of emptiness.
Madhyamaka is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the doctrine of emptiness. Madhyamaka philosophers argue that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, and that this realization is the key to liberation from suffering.
Nirvana is the state of perfect peace and happiness that is free from suffering. It is the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice.
Prajnaparamita is the perfection of wisdom. It is the understanding of emptiness and the Four Noble Truths. It is the key to liberation from suffering.
Pure Land Buddhism is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the goal of rebirth in the Pure Land, a blissful realm ruled by the Buddha Amitabha.
Tantra is a form of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes the use of ritual and visualization to achieve enlightenment.
Zen is a school of Mahayana Buddhism that emphasizes meditation and the direct experience of enlightenment.
Mahayana Buddhism is a rich and complex tradition with a long history. It is a living tradition that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its practitioners.
What is Buddhism?
Buddhism is a religion that originated in India over 2,500 years ago. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by attachment and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.
What is the Eightfold Path?
The Eightfold Path is a set of eight steps that lead to enlightenment. The steps are:
Right understanding
Right thought
Right speech
Right action
Right livelihood
Right effort
Right mindfulness
Right concentration
What is the Four Noble Truths?
The Four Noble Truths are the foundation of Buddhist teachings. They are:
Suffering exists.
Suffering is caused by attachment.
Suffering can be ended.
The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.
What is karma?
Karma is the law of cause and effect. It is the belief that our actions in this life will affect our future lives.
What is reincarnation?
Reincarnation is the belief that after we die, our consciousness is reborn into a new body.
What is nirvana?
Nirvana is the state of perfect peace and happiness. It is the goal of Buddhist practice.
What is a bodhisattva?
A bodhisattva is a person who has vowed to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
What is a sangha?
A sangha is a community of Buddhist monks, nuns, and laypeople.
What is a temple?
A temple is a place of worship for Buddhists. It is usually a large building with a central hall where people can meditate and pray.
What is a stupa?
A stupa is a Buddhist monument. It is usually a dome-shaped structure that contains relics of the Buddha or other Buddhist saints.
What is a mantra?
A mantra is a sacred word or phrase that is repeated during meditation.
What is a dharma wheel?
A dharma wheel is a symbol of Buddhism. It is usually a wheel with eight spokes, which represent the Eightfold Path.
What is a lotus?
A lotus is a flower that is sacred to Buddhists. It is a symbol of purity and enlightenment.
What is a Buddha?
A Buddha is a person who has achieved enlightenment. The Buddha is also the name of the founder of Buddhism.
What is a monk?
A monk is a male Buddhist who has renounced worldly life to devote himself to spiritual practice.
What is a nun?
A nun is a female Buddhist who has renounced worldly life to devote herself to spiritual practice.
What is a layperson?
A layperson is a Buddhist who does not live in a monastery or convent. Laypeople typically practice Buddhism at home and in their communities.
What is the history of Buddhism?
Buddhism originated in India over 2,500 years ago. The founder of Buddhism was Siddhartha Gautama, who is also known as the Buddha. The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by attachment and that the way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path. Buddhism spread to other parts of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. In recent years, Buddhism has also spread to the West.
What are the different schools of Buddhism?
There are many different schools of Buddhism. The two main schools are Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada Buddhism is the oldest school of Buddhism. It is practiced in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. Mahayana Buddhism is a newer school of Buddhism. It is practiced in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. There are also many other schools of Buddhism, such as Vajrayana Buddhism and Zen Buddhism.
What is the future of Buddhism?
Buddhism is a growing religion. It is estimated that there are over 500 million Buddhists in the world. Buddhism is expected to continue to grow in the future, especially in the West.
Sure, here are some multiple choice questions about Buddhism without mentioning the topic Mahayana:
Which of the following is not one of the Four Noble Truths? (A) Suffering exists. (B) Suffering is caused by attachment. (C) Suffering can be ended. (D) The way to end suffering is to follow the Eightfold Path.
Which of the following is not one of the Eightfold Path? (A) Right understanding. (B) Right thought. (C) Right speech. (D) Right action. (E) Right livelihood.
Which of the following is not one of the Three Jewels? (A) The Buddha. (B) The Dharma. (C) The Sangha. (D) The Mahayana.
Which of the following is not one of the five precepts? (A) Do not kill. (B) Do not steal. (C) Do not commit sexual misconduct. (D) Do not lie. (E) Do not consume Intoxicants.
Which of the following is not one of the six Realms of rebirth? (A) The human realm. (B) The animal realm. (C) The ghost realm. (D) The hell realm. (E) The Mahayana realm.
Which of the following is not one of the three marks of existence? (A) Suffering. (B) Impermanence. (C) Non-self. (D) Mahayana.
Which of the following is not one of the ten paramitas? (A) Generosity. (B) Morality. (C) Patience. (D) Perseverance. (E) Mahayana.
Which of the following is not one of the eight consciousnesses? (A) The eye consciousness. (B) The ear consciousness. (C) The nose consciousness. (D) The tongue consciousness. (E) The Mahayana consciousness.
Which of the following is not one of the five skandhas? (A) Form. (B) Feeling. (C) Perception. (D) Mental formations. (E) Mahayana.
Which of the following is not one of the three poisons? (A) Greed. (B) Hatred. (C) Delusion. (D) Mahayana.