Buddhism

Buddhism was "born" in Northeastern India in the 6th century B.C., reached China in the 1st century A.D., and then moved into Southeast Asia by the 7th century A.D. Buddhism was "founded" by Siddhartha Gautama, a chieftain born into a ruling family who came to be known as the "Sage of Shakya Clan" after renouncing his princely life, and setting out on a path to discover the cause of suffering, and ultimately Enlightenment (Dehejia, Stuart, Ulak, 2000).

The Mahayana (Great Way) doctrine teaches us that all beings can become enlightened Buddhas. Current Buddhas are said to have existed in the past and are also projected to exist in the future. Some of the earliest Chinese gilt bronzes of the Buddha (4th century) depict the religion's founder, Siddhartha, as the Buddha of the Present. Siddhartha, the Buddha, spent 40 years preaching his faith and advocating a simple life filled with good deeds that would subsequently lead to Nirvana, a release from the cycle of rebirth. Buddhist believe in reincarnation or repeated lives on earth, with the opportunity to improve conditions during the next birth (Dehjia, Stuart, Ulak, 2000).

Three Daoist Immortals in a Cave
ca. 1800
Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)
jadeite
© Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond
Gift of the Estate of Senator Hugh Scott.
photo: Katherine Wetzel.

Upon his death, the Buddha was cremated and his remains were placed in caskets within stupas, or funerary mounds. People continue to make pilgrimages to these sites. Buddhism reached China during the Six Dynasties period (220-589 A.D.), and continues to flourish today. While influenced by Indian prototypes, particularly in the beginning, Buddhism was affected by and had a great impact on Chinese life, and cultural and philosophic values. "Buddhism and Chinese Taoism (pronounced Daoism) are a complex blend of mysticism and nature philosophy, also influenced and borrowed from each other" (Dehejia, Stuart, Ulak, 2000). Tao translates as "the way."

There are many versions of Buddha but most share certain characteristics. His elongated earlobes show that he once wore the heavily jeweled earrings of nobility and his kingly rank. His topknot is considered a symbol of his wisdom.

Buddha
late 19th century
Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911)
Blanc de Chine porcelain
Bequest of Forrest R. Brauer.
photo: Katherine Wetzel.