In India, both agrarian fertility spirits and earlier Vedic deities were incorporated into the new religion. Ferocious Shaman gods became protectors while other Hindu gods, especially Shiva, appeared with little modification in later esoteric Buddhist pantheons.

Shiva as the Supreme Teacher, India, 10th Century Buddha meditating under the

Bodhi tree. 9th Century.

After the Buddha’s death •  The community shifted from the Buddha to his

teachings. •  Monks gathered to establish a canon of scriptures,

with much dispute. •  The Buddhist king Asoka, who reigned from 268 to

239 BCE, sent the first missionaries to Sri Lanka. •  From this the Theravada (tradition of the elders)

grew. •  Asoka also left the Buddhist concept of a “righteous

King”who gives political expression to Buddhist values.(Thailand and Burma)

Two Movements •  the Mahayana (the great vehicle) Placed importance on personal devotion and the universal opportunity for salvation. Celestial Buddha and Bodhisattva (postpones nirvana to help others escape the cycle of rebirth). •  The Theravadia (path of the elders)

Mostly images of the historic Buddah, Shakyamuni, and his former lives (the jatakas, were most important. Viewed Buddha as a human role model, show virtuous behavior, meditation, teaching, inner strength.

•  Symbols– bodhi tree, wheel, certain poses and gestures were important in both

•  Mahayana emphasis on the earthly, heavenly and celestial realm.

Buddha giving the first sermon, 10th/11th Century

Buddhist attributes: ���cranial protuberance---emblem of superior mental powers ���tuft of hair on forehead���curled hair���lotus and wheel marks on soles of feet������The emphasis on higher goals of yoga—resulting in images in relaxed poses and transcendent, emphasized a youthfulness unaffected by time.

Gesture (or Mudra) of reassurance. Gesture of teaching—setting

in motion the wheel of law.

Many mages show life of the Buddha. ������Birth—emerging from his mother’s side���Moment of enlightenment– surrounded by temptation. Hand touching the earth���First sermon at Sarnath– gesture of teaching���Death– reclining

The Jataka tales tell events in the life of the Buddha. ������A popular story in the Jatakas, that Buddha ascended into heaven to preach to 33 gods. ���������Distraught over his absence, King Udayana commissioned a statue of sandalwood, which he presented to the Buddha on is return.

Esoteric Buddhism

In the beginning there were no human ���representations of the Buddha. But rather���a progression of images from symbols…pillars, trees, thrones, wheels, animals and stupas…to fertility and donor figures and finally to human images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas.

Symbols or emblems used to embody complex concepts ������Lotus Flower—Purity and Enlightenment���Endless Knot or Mandala– eternal harmony, the universe���Golden Fish Pair—conjugal happiness and freedom���Victory Banner—victorious battle���Wheel of Dharma– knowledge���Treasure Vase—treasure and wealth���Parasol—crown, protection from elements ���Conch Shell—thoughts of the Buddha���

������1) The Canopy, parasol or umbrella ���is the symbol of a monarch, and represents spiritual authority and shelter for all living beings. ���2) The Conch shell ���represents wisdom in the voice of Buddha calling people to worship.���Shells which spiral clockwise are a rarity and are considered especially sacred.���3) The Sacred Vase ���holds the water of life but also symbolizes longevity, abundance and prosperity. ���4) The Royal Banner���symbolizes charity and incorruptible officials ���5) The Wheel of Life ���The wheel of the law-karma represents the ever-turning wheel of transmigration of the soul and it symbolises the Buddhist teachings as well. ���6) A Pair of Fish���symbol of tenacity, felicity and fertility���7) The Endless Knot���symbol of longevity and eternity. Cyclical changes of all things.���8) Lotus Flower���rising through muddy water, the Lotus is a symbol of purity and enlightenment. Refers to aspects of the Eightfold path. ������

•  Most of the revered objects are associated with the life of the historical Buddha.

•  The early growth of

Buddhism after his death in around 481 BCE was enhanced by the Indian King Ashoka’s distribution of his ashes inside 84,000 stupas.

•  After his awakening, the Buddha got up and taught his ���experience to others. The ascetics who heard the first ���sermon became the first of many converts.

•  During his long life, he attracted disciples and laid the foundation of Buddhist monasticism.���

•  After his death, attention turned from the Buddha to his teachings and the moral principles in his Dharma or teachings

Even though the Buddha didn’t address the origins of the world, there is a Buddhist Cosmology… According to this view, the center of the universe is a mountain, Meru, from the top of which rise various levels of heaven. Meru is surrounded by 7 mountain chains separated by 7 oceans. Beyond this is a great ocean with four islands…humans occupy one.

The universe is surrounded by a huge rock wall. On Mount Meru reside the four guardians of the four quarters (four cardinal points), and 33 principle gods (principle Hindu gods) and celestial Buddha at the peak. Above this is sky.

WATER THEMES In addition to playing a part in cosmological imagery, water and aquatic creatures played an important part in Indian mythology as Snake Kings (Nagarajas) or naga kings.