Buddhism and Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Introduction (Reissued)

Over 180 color photographs from temples, museums, historical sites, and private collections enhance this attractive survey of the Buddhist art of India, Central Asia, China, Korea, Japan, Nepal, Tibet, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It presents the life story and teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha, founder of Buddhism, as shown in paintings, sculptures, and other works of art, and explores the major schools of Buddhism—Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, Zen—and the styles and characteristics of the Buddhas, bodhisattvas, deities, and other images seen in their art. 

Everyone interested in Buddhist art and its enduring significance will find this volume a useful reference for the study and appreciation of the various gestures, poses, and artistic elements seen in Buddhist art through the ages. 

Highlights 

• Explores subjects and themes that frequently appear in Buddhist art
• Showcases examples of Buddhist art from South, Southeast, and East Asia
• Examines the stories and legends of the Buddha and their depiction in Buddhist artworks in different eras and locations
• Explains important terminology and Buddhist vocabulary 

Contents 

Preface
Introduction 

1. The Life and Teachings of Sakyamuni Buddha 
2. Buddhist Art and Buddhist Beliefs: Theravada, Mahayana, Vajrayana, and Zen 

Appendix 1: Mudra, Asana, and Bhanga Terminology
Appendix 2: The Five Transcendent Buddhas of the Mahayana and Vajrayana Faiths
Glossary
Notes
Bibliography
List of Illustrations and Photo Credits
Acknowledgments
Index

What Others are Saying 

“Buddhism and Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Introduction is a joyous gem of a book, compact and brilliant, a treasure to accompany you whether to Sri Lanka, Nepal or the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art. The styles and varieties of Buddhas, bodhisattvas and related deities are introduced progressively in a narration, first of the Buddha’s life story, then of Buddhism’s spread through Asia. . . . The more one learns the more one will wish to reread this dense compendium, with its beautiful color photographs and its useful bibliography, glossary and index.”—Professor Peter Dale Scott, Inquiring Mind—a journal of the Buddhadharma 

Keywords 

Buddhism | Buddha | visual arts | religious art | iconography | Asian art