Analysis and Application of Early Indian Buddhism Icon Take bodhi tree, Sakyamuni Buddha Image and Lotus Example

[[abstract]]Buddhism, one of the four major religions in the world, was founded by Sakyamuni Buddha in 528 B.C. The transition of. the development of Buddhist at and the concept of religious philosophy are closely connected. The research discusses the bodhi tree which symbolizes Buddha during the period of no Buddha statues as well as the meaning of the image of Sakyamuni Buddha. and the transformation of icons during the period of statues of the Buddha. It is found that the two distinctive representations are significantly the mark of the beginning in the.meaning.and development.of ancient Indian Buddhism history. It is the.meaning.behind the formation of the transformation in image and style of Buddism icon. Lotus is a sacred flower in Buddism.therefore. The relationship between lotus and Buddhist art is worth further discussing. The subjects of the research: discussion on the meaning of the iconsand their styles between the bodhi tree symbolizing Buddha during the period of no Buddhist statues, Sakyamuni Buddha during the period of Buddhist statues and lotus the significance of as purity in Buddhism. Through the progressive resulf of the research, the principle of function of represented Buddhist image and icons can be transformed into a source for reference fur cneation. The relevant results of research to the above-mentioned research can be catagorized as followed: 1. The bodhi tree, growing out of the ground and develop into another dimention, is from the essence of life. This vitality of extending into two dimentions at the same time is regarded as the expansion of universe lives by ancient Indians. Buddha became enlightened under the bodhi tree. “The bodhi tree” which is the image of life,is transformed into the representation of “ the tree of wisdom” of the Buddha. 2. When the image of Sakyamuni Buddha fist emerged,it was combined with the Buddha stories of “Phanigiri.”Eventually the image of Buddha appeared alone. It does not rely on the “Phanigiri” and stories as a combination.It is considered that followers’ faith in Buddha no longer requive any stories to reinforce the value of the Buddha as a teacher of the devas and centient being. Therefore, the independent image of Sakyamuni Buddha has indeed excelled beyond the meaning of “Phanigiri” 3. Lotus, one of the auspicious symbols that appeared at the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, means purity. Lotus is often refevred as the Jewelled Lotus in the Sutras. Since lotus has the quality of being valuable and auspicious as symbols, it is presented in an elegant form from its flower, fruit, stem,and leaves. It bears the sense for decoration, therefore lotus decoration is often seen in Buddhism art.