The stupa is an important form of buddhist architecture, though it predates buddhism. Discuss the religious, architectural and philosophical significance of various buddhist stupas. (250 words)
Answers
A Stupa is a hemispherical structure which symbolizes burial mound of Buddha. Although having its origins in Vedic period, Stupas rose to prominence after the advent of Buddhism and peaked during Ashoka’s reign. Stupas evolved as chorten in Tibet and pagoda in East Asia.
Significance:
1. Religious -
a. Relic repository: The first stupas were built to venerate and safeguard relics and remains of Buddha.
b. Sacred place: Along with monasteries (viharas) and prayer halls (chaityas), stupas form the three types of religious structures in Buddhism. Later, stupas were included in chaityas.
c. Benefits: It is believed to leave positive imprints on mind and that one will be able to reach enlightenment faster.
d. Pradakshina: Devotees can perform pradakshina (circumambulation), an important buddhist ritual around the path surrounding it.
2. Architectural -
a. Oldest stone structures: The stupas at Sanchi and Bharhut are one of the oldest stone structures in India. The gateways (toranas) were carved of stone and decorated with narrative sculptures with Jataka themes. Stone was replaced with wood in later stupas.
b. Evidence of aniconism: Buddha was depicted only through symbols in earlier stupas.
c. Inclusion of text in narrative panels – at Bharhut
d. Use of marble – at Amravati stupa
e. Taxila excavations reveal stupas with Boddhisatva images, Gandhara influence and patronage of Kanishka
3. Philosophical -
a. Meditation: It is an important place for meditation.
b. Commemorative: In the Tibetan tradition, stupas (chortens) were built to celebrate the life events of the Buddha.
c. Symbolic: The stupas encapsulate the teachings and ideology of Buddha.
d. Origin of Eightfold Path: Dhamek stupa at Sarnath marks the spot where the Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, revealing his Eightfold Path leading to nirvana.
Stupas have evolved into more than a reliquary monument. They reveal the path to enlightenment, the highest purpose of life. And so, there is need for their preservation
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