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Introduction |
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Mihwangsa temple |
Photo by An Jang Heon | Buddhist art is a reflection of Buddhist thought and practice. One of the important attempts of Buddhist art is to guide and inspire sentient beings on the path toward enlightenment. Buddhist art gives expression to the indescribable experience of enlightenment. With a tradition dating back thousands of years in many Asian countries, Buddhist art is a testament to the powerful belief in the Sakyamuni Buddha and his teachings. Buddhist art can also be appreciated on a purely aesthetic level. Many statues and paintings of the Buddha are considered important works of art.
Some traditional examples of Buddhist art include engravings, sculptures and paintings of the Buddha and other deities in the Buddhist pantheon. Temple architecture and structures on the temple grounds are also included in the sphere of Buddhist art. Although it encompasses a variety of media and forms, Buddhist art is strongly linked with the temple, monastic life and reverence for the Buddha. Buddhist art can be viewed on artistic, religious and philosophical levels. It is for these reasons that Buddhist art is a fascinating topic for both Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
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