Cordre' Peterson's - Rubin Museum Project
Cordre’
E. Peterson, Sr.
Philosophy
of Religion
Prof.
Trusso
April
17, 2017
Ganesha
In
my research of Buddhist artwork, what attracted me the most was Ganesha. In
Buddhism he is portrayed as the god Vinayaka. He is known as the god of new
beginnings and represents everything that is good. What catches my eye is the
fact that Ganesha is depicted surrounded by a flaming mandorla, standing on the
backs of two rats, with gifts or offerings in all four hands. A lotus
symbolizing enlightenment, a hatchet symbolizing both past good and bad deeds
that get cut when enlightenment is present, a laddus which is round sweet meats
symbolizing the rewards of life and the fourth hand used to bless the people.
The mice are a symbolization of desire; It is to be tamed and should not
control the life of the individual. More important, he is considered the most
powerful god and the only Hindu god, assimilated into Buddhism deemed a
bodhisattva (which means Buddha-to-be). Ganesha’s appearance makes him
approachable and loved among the other deities based upon his humble and
childlike looks.
The
statue of Ganesha also known as Ganapati and a few other names, is a part of
the Arnold Lieberman collection. A Napalese statue made from Gilt brass,
standing 17.5 x 14 x 7.75 inches (small), representing Napal from the early 19th
century. The statue itself has somewhat
of a shiny and dull gold overlay throughout. I would describe this artwork as
more traditional yet representational of Ganesha, because he is very much real to
Hinduist and Buddhist . At the top of his crown, it seems to fan out like a
peacock, a very bold and dramatic feature, with tones of red outlining the
features of imprints from the base of the crown throughout his garments. His
face bares a twisted trunk with one broken tusk and on the forehead, the shape
of what appears to be a diamond. The statue as a whole, has many curvy lines
from head to toe with the exception of the middle, which curves and protrudes
out. The right leg is bent at an angle while the left leg extends with a slight
bend to the outside of the body. The right and left legs have two smooth
circular bands around them, with curvy three dimensional lines extending out to
the side in the form of what appears to be a depiction of smoke. In the background are bold and curvy lines
within the mandorla, representing flames which shows his majesticness. Ganesha
stands upon the backs of two mice who are in position on a platform, engraved
with circular and curved lines. The patterns form a kind of flower or pedestal
as if to designate the proper place for a stance. The middle section of the
platform has rectangular shaped protrusions encircling its entirety with small
round holes in between and at the base of each one. The very bottom of the
platform is rectangular in shape and smooth and bronze in color all around.
Ganesha
sheds light on Buddhism through his Buddha nature or realm (Buddha dhatu). His
godly attributes give Buddhist hope that they can overcome anything. He symbolizes
good fortune, prosperity, success and new beginnings. The artwork itself gives
you a sense of peace within Buddhism, but also a feeling of power and self-control.
The meaning of the doctrine is the nature of Buddha. He is incorruptible, uncreated
and indestructible, and because of this the very nature of Buddha is created
within yourself. This is necessary for a person to get enlightened and achieve
nirvana. It’s meaning is what is
extremely important within a person. Ganesha was taken into Buddhism probably
because he is very familiar with the Hindu god.
In
comparison to a hindu doctrine, Ganesha is most like Brahman. Brahman in
Hudusim is like god comes in the form of many different deities, is
indestructible, a supreme spirit. Ganesha is in fact a Hindu god, is
indestructible, and a deity of Brahman. Just as Brahman is worshiped, so is
Ganesha. Brahman is only within Hinduism, where Ganesha is a part of both
Hinduism and Buddhism. He is also a symbolization and master of intellect and
wisdom to all Buddhist. Like Brahman, Ganesha goses by many names like,
Vinayaka , Malayalam and Vinayagar. There are quite a few differences, but more
similarities between the two.
Buddhism
is not a religion, but more so a way of life or a way of thinking and taking
responsibility of how our life will turn out for us as individuals. This is
achieved through mental discipline by meditation and purifying one self. Buddah
is not a god, nor did her consider himself a god. He was more of a teacher, one
who has become awakened through by going through different forms of suffering
or different levels of denying oneself. In Buddhism, the focus is on ridding yourself
of strife, suffering, sorrow and being an example to others. Anyone can be a
Buddha by simply beginning to live your life a Buddhist lives, have a deep
respect for his teachings and follow the eightfold path through meditation.
This
experience has not been the easiest, yet quite interesting at best. I’ve
learned how to research and make comparisons and differences between deities
and how they operate. How to determine in my opinion what is or isn’t a
religion. I’ve learned as a Christian man that applying different attributes of
Buddhism to my life doesn’t necessarily compromise my beliefs. In reference to
the artwork researched, there are many meanings and names of one individual
god. His attributes represent all that is profitable and good, but in other
times he represented chaos and destruction. The connection between Hinduism and
Buddhism have some similarities in Ganesha. All of these things helped me to
respect other people’s points of view and how they choose to serve the god that
they serve. Through all of the readings, I realize that God is very real to
many. I also realize that in many aspects, all religions seek some form of
peace within and ways to end suffering. At the Rubin museum, I attempted to
meditate. Although it’s not practiced in all religions, it gave me a piece of
mind. I felt a sense of serenity around me; and at that point I felt free. No
matter who or how we serve, we must always seek peace and freedom within.
Works
Cited
“Ganesha.” Encyclopædia
Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.,
www.britannica.com/topic/Ganesha. Accessed 25 Apr. 2017.
www.chinabuddhismcyclopedia.com/en/index.php/ganesha.
“Buddha Statues, Meditation
Malas, Inspirational Jewelry, Singing Bowls & More.” Buddha Groove,
www.buddhagroove.com/. Accessed 25 Apr. 2017.
www.asianart.com/lieberman/gallery3/d1122.html.
“Ganesha.” Ganesha -
ReligionFacts, 18 Feb. 2017, www.religionfacts.com/ganesha. Accessed 25
Apr. 2017.
Asthana, Kishore. “The Image
of Ganesha and Its Meaning - Times of India.” The Times of India,
Life, 6 Sept. 2008, timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/The-image-of-Ganesha-and-its-meaning/articleshow/3437331.cms.
Accessed 25 Apr. 2017.
In this course, learning about the complexities of religious doctrines and viewing philosophical debates from global religions really helped me gain a better sense of self-awareness and an understanding of religion.When I came to this class, I didn't know what to expect, but learning about God and learning how to debate is existence and why He exists actually made my faith in Him much stronger. Did it open my mind more to other religions and their practices? most definitely! However, not one religion makes a more compelling argument that the other. They all leave room from questions and debatable arguments as to whether or not God exists, but for me and my belief, the argument was compelling enough for me to stand strong in my faith and belief in God and His existence. We learned about the five major religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam) that are so very different, but yet share some of the same commonalities. Initially, I was blind to other faiths and beliefs until I realized that their goals are pretty much the same. They all want to rid themselves from evil, suffering and reach some form of self peace or enlightenment. These religions all serve as a way to help guide our lives and be the best that we can possibly be by following the guidelines given to us. At the end of the day, this class has helped me to keep an open mind to all religions as well as how to analyze them through critical thinking.
ReplyDeleteHello Cordre,
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your statement on whether Buddhism was a religion or not, I liked what you said about Buddhism not being a religion, "but more so a way of life or a way of thinking and taking responsibility of how our life will turn out for us as individuals." I agree with what you are saying, but in Buddhism, it says that God is grand scheme of our life. So doesn't believing in a God who has the power to control the way we live mean that it is a religion?
Thank you! I would necessarily say that God controls the way that we live, but more so the faith that we have believing his His word and the teachings of Christ. However, yes having a faith in that kind of a God does make it a religion, but my question to you is this, Is Buddha a god? In the reading, Buddha is said to describe himself as a teacher and not a god. Although in religion, we follow the teachings of the one in whom we believe and place our faith, but also in one who is said to be our creator. Is that Buddha? and does Buddha control the way Buddhist live? I hope I haven't viewed your text wrong, but this is what i'm getting from it.
DeleteOkay Cordre, good questions. First I would like to say that Buddha is not God but a messenger of God instead. Buddha faced many hardships in which he ended up achieving enlightenment. In the course reader, we have read that Buddha has met with some deities of Hinduism during his time, so does that mean that there is no God? No. In fact it's quite the opposite. If Buddha has met with some deities, then that means that he believes that there is a God. Also Buddha does not control the way that Buddhist believers live. Instead, he helps them on their path to enlightenment. I hope I answered what you were looking for Cordre.
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