Worksheet 1A Do You See What I See? Project Instructions
Directions: 1) Your assigned Buddhist art form is sculpture. 2) Visit the websites from the resource list below to find examples and descriptions of Buddhist sculpture. Start with the websites that give general information on symbolism in Buddhist art, then find examples of the art form. 3) Based on your observations and reading, answer the questions on Worksheet 2A. 4) Prepare a PowerPoint presentation containing the following components: 3 or more images of the examples of the art form that include explanations of the symbolism used. Use your research sheet as a guide for which facts you would select. 5) Present your slide show to the class. 6) Small group discussion: observations about Buddhist art and use of symbolism.
Worksheet 2A Do You See What I See? Research Sheet
Part 1: Answer the following questions: 1. What is the symbolism of the lotus flower? How does the form of the lotus flower represent different ideas? 2. What are the Eight Auspicious Symbols? 3. What are mudras? 4. What is Lakshana? What do each of the following features represent: long earlobes, knot on head, and third eye? 5. What are some of the different postures of Buddha and what does each represent? 6. Name three different forms of Buddha and explain what each Buddha represents. Part 2: Translating the Images Once you have a basic guide of the symbols, you will need to find three or more images of the Buddha. For each image, answer the following questions: 1) Where (and when) did this statue originate? 2) What materials are used in the construction of the statue? 3) Using the symbols you found in Part 1, what story does this statue tell the viewer? Part 3:Power Point Since you will show the class what you have found about symbolism in Buddhist art, you will need to create a slide show of images and explanations. Your presentation should have at least 3 images of the Buddha as well as explanations about the symbolism in each. Consider using Autoshape arrows and textboxes to insert commentary about the different features of the Buddhist statues.
Worksheet 3A Do You See What I See? Buddhist Sculpture Hotlist
Use the following websites as the basis of your research.
Symbolism in Buddhist Art Buddha Net This website provides background on several different aspects of Buddhist art, including mudras (hand gestures) the wheel of dharma, and the lotus flower. Symbols in Buddhist Art This graduate student created website provides visuals to highlight the eight auspicious symbols, the lotus flower, and hand gestures. A quick ready to use reference. Images of Buddha This website contains images of Buddha as well as explanations of Buddhist sculpture. You can find the definition of Lakshana here. Antique Zen This commercial website provides historical information about Buddhist art as well as a glossary of Buddhas. About.com This website provides a glossary of Buddhist art related terms and brief explanations of the symbolisms
Buddhist Sculptures Asian Art Gallery This website features a slide show on a diverse group of Buddhist statues representing different styles of Buddhist sculpture. Buddhist images in Thai Art This website provides a slide show of the Buddhist image in Thai art. Sackler Gallery Exhibit on Buddhist Art
This online exhibit highlights Buddhist Art from India, China and Japan.