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During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was because
The Mauryan rulers patronized
- a)Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.
- b)Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.
- c)These showed his Mahaparinirvana.
- d)Construction of such symbols
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically t...
- Buddha is depicted symbolically during the early phase of Buddhism through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc.
- This indicates either simple worship, or paying respect, or at times depicts historicization of life events. This was because Buddha said Digha Nikaya, i.e., discouraged his representation in human forms after his death.
- Gradually narrative became a part of the Buddhist tradition. Thus, events from Buddha's life, the Jataka tales, were depicted on the stupas' railings and torans.
- Mainly synoptic narrative, continuous narrative and episodic narrative are used in the pictorial tradition.
- While Buddha's life became an important theme in all the Buddhist monuments, the Jataka stories also became equally important for sculptural decorations.
- The main events associated with Buddha's life which were frequently depicted were related to the birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dharmachakrapravartana and mahaparinibbana (death).
- Among the Jataka stories frequently depicted are Chhadanta Jataka, Vidurpundita Jataka, Ruru Jataka, Sibi Jataka, and Vessantara and Shama Jataka.
Most Upvoted Answer
During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically t...
The correct answer is option 'A': Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.
Explanation:
During the early phase of Buddhism, the representation of Buddha symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc., was primarily because Buddha himself had discouraged his representation in any human form. This was a deliberate choice made by Buddha to avoid the worship of his physical form and instead focus on his teachings and the path to enlightenment.
1. Buddha's Discouragement:
- Buddha discouraged the representation of his physical form to prevent the development of a cult of personality around him.
- He wanted his followers to focus on his teachings and the Four Noble Truths rather than becoming attached to his physical appearance.
- Buddha emphasized that he was not a deity or a divine being but rather a human who had achieved enlightenment through his own efforts.
2. Symbolic Representations:
- In order to honor and remember Buddha, his followers used various symbolic representations.
- Footprints: Buddha's footprints symbolized his presence and the path to follow. These footprints were often depicted with auspicious symbols and were considered sacred.
- Stupas: Stupas were monumental structures that contained relics or ashes of Buddha. They symbolized his enlightenment and served as places of pilgrimage.
- Lotus Throne: The lotus throne depicted Buddha sitting on a lotus flower, which symbolized purity and spiritual enlightenment.
- Chakra: The chakra symbolized the Wheel of Dharma, representing the teachings of Buddha and the path to liberation.
3. Influence from Hinduism:
- While Buddhism emerged as a distinct religion, it was influenced by certain practices from Hinduism, including the use of symbols.
- Hinduism had a rich tradition of iconography and deity worship, which Buddhism consciously sought to differentiate itself from.
- By using symbolic representations, Buddhism could avoid the pitfalls of idol worship and focus on the essence of Buddha's teachings.
In conclusion, the symbolic representations of Buddha during the early phase of Buddhism were a result of Buddha's own discouragement of his representation in any human form. This choice aimed to prevent the development of a cult of personality and ensure that followers focused on his teachings rather than becoming attached to his physical appearance.
Explanation:
During the early phase of Buddhism, the representation of Buddha symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc., was primarily because Buddha himself had discouraged his representation in any human form. This was a deliberate choice made by Buddha to avoid the worship of his physical form and instead focus on his teachings and the path to enlightenment.
1. Buddha's Discouragement:
- Buddha discouraged the representation of his physical form to prevent the development of a cult of personality around him.
- He wanted his followers to focus on his teachings and the Four Noble Truths rather than becoming attached to his physical appearance.
- Buddha emphasized that he was not a deity or a divine being but rather a human who had achieved enlightenment through his own efforts.
2. Symbolic Representations:
- In order to honor and remember Buddha, his followers used various symbolic representations.
- Footprints: Buddha's footprints symbolized his presence and the path to follow. These footprints were often depicted with auspicious symbols and were considered sacred.
- Stupas: Stupas were monumental structures that contained relics or ashes of Buddha. They symbolized his enlightenment and served as places of pilgrimage.
- Lotus Throne: The lotus throne depicted Buddha sitting on a lotus flower, which symbolized purity and spiritual enlightenment.
- Chakra: The chakra symbolized the Wheel of Dharma, representing the teachings of Buddha and the path to liberation.
3. Influence from Hinduism:
- While Buddhism emerged as a distinct religion, it was influenced by certain practices from Hinduism, including the use of symbols.
- Hinduism had a rich tradition of iconography and deity worship, which Buddhism consciously sought to differentiate itself from.
- By using symbolic representations, Buddhism could avoid the pitfalls of idol worship and focus on the essence of Buddha's teachings.
In conclusion, the symbolic representations of Buddha during the early phase of Buddhism were a result of Buddha's own discouragement of his representation in any human form. This choice aimed to prevent the development of a cult of personality and ensure that followers focused on his teachings rather than becoming attached to his physical appearance.
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During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2024 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2024 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for During the early phase of Buddhism, Buddha is depicted symbolically through footprints, stupas, lotus throne, chakra, etc. This was becauseThe Mauryan rulers patronizeda) Buddha had discouraged his representation in any human form.b) Buddhism was influenced by particular practices from Hinduism.c) These showed his Mahaparinirvana.d) Construction of such symbolsCorrect answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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