The Great Stupa

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Art History Ryder September 24, 2012 The Great Stupa Asian societies sustained many belief systems and rituals thousands of years ago that made such a huge impact it developed into religions that are currently utilized in today’s society. The Buddhist religion established from teachings and practices of Shakyamuni Buddha in 543 BCE to 483 BCE. People that practice Buddhism are exposed to the Four Noble Truths which is that 1) life is suffering; 2) desire is caused by suffering; 3) you can overcome desire; 4) following the 8 fold path of right view can help you extinguish that desire. The artworks of Buddhism are created in remembrance of Buddha’s’, and to symbolize their beliefs and understanding of life. Buddhism was the main inspiration for art in the region, and the most important Buddhist structures were created between the first and second century BCE. Such as the Great Stupa of Sanchi, except it was built in the third century. The Great Stupa was not a tomb, however it was a monument. It is said to be that out of all of the early Indian monuments, none of them compare to the ultimate and most famous Great Stupa of Sanchi. Located at Sanchi, Central India it is admired by all. The Great Stupa was created as a dome-shaped monument, and not just any monument but a monument that contains the remains of a holy person. In this case, the Great Stupa of Sanchi holds the ashes of Buddha himself. Therefore the Stupa symbolized Parinirvana known as “Final Dying”. In today’s Asian societies they still strongly believe in the cycle of birth and rebirth, which is represented by the wheel of law located on the Great Stupa. The wheel of law is used to defeat evil actions, thoughts, desires, and ignorance. To put the wheel in motion the Asian societies must produce good action and completely follow the Lord Buddha s teaching. They also believe the Earth is covered by

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