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Śramaṇa, Vol. 58, No. 4 October-December 2007
The contribution of Buddhism to the
World of Art & Architecture
Venerable Dr. Rewata Dhamma
All civilizations whether primitive, ancient, mediaeval or modern have in the course of their development produced cultures. In the name of culture they have created art and architecture, language and literature, music and dance social customs, codes of ethics and behaviour, laws, philosophy and religion. It is by examining a civilization's cultural contributions to the world that we can gain some idea and appreciation of its achievements. This becomes more visible when we look into different periods of the art and architecture from around the world. Every civilization's religion too, in the course of its history, contributes something to the world in general and to the world of art and architecture in particular. Religious beliefs, ideas and ideals are sometimes given visual expression and sometimes form the subject matter of art and architecture. In a sense art and architecture provide mirrors to reflect a civilization. In this respect Buddhism is no exception.
What Buddhism has given to the world is not only a profound analysis of human sufferings, and a practical solution for the problem but also a monumental and rich legacy to the world of art and architecture. Much of this legacy is visible even today in its homeland of India and in much of the eastern world. Here, I would like to have a glimpse at Buddhism's fourth jewel, which is its art and architecture.
The very earliest examples of Buddhist art are not iconic but aniconic images and were popular in India after the death of the
Delivered at the Buddhist Seminar, Sarnath, Varanasi, November 1998.
