Bodhisattvas

Definition

Bodhisattvas are enlightened beings in Mahayana Buddhism who have made a vow to achieve Buddhahood for the benefit of all sentient beings. Unlike ordinary beings, they choose to delay their own final enlightenment in order to assist others on their spiritual journeys. This altruistic ideal is central to the Mahayana tradition and has had a profound influence on the development of Buddhist art and practice, especially during the Unified Silla Dynasty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Unified Silla Dynasty, bodhisattvas were commonly depicted in sculptures and paintings, reflecting their significance in Buddhist worship and devotion.
2. The most famous bodhisattva representation from this period is the Seated Avalokiteshvara statue, which exemplifies the intricate artistry characteristic of Silla craftsmanship.
3. Bodhisattva figures served not only as objects of veneration but also as symbols of moral ideals, embodying compassion and selflessness that influenced society.
4. Artistic portrayals of bodhisattvas often included elaborate adornments and intricate details, symbolizing their spiritual power and enlightened qualities.
5. The influence of bodhisattvas extended beyond religious contexts, impacting cultural and social aspects during the Unified Silla Dynasty, promoting values such as compassion and community welfare.

Review Questions

• How did bodhisattvas influence the artistic expressions during the Unified Silla Dynasty?
  • Bodhisattvas significantly influenced artistic expressions during the Unified Silla Dynasty by becoming central figures in sculptures and paintings that reflected both devotional practices and cultural values. Artists focused on depicting these enlightened beings with intricate details that highlighted their compassionate nature, using symbolism to convey deeper spiritual meanings. This emphasis on bodhisattvas allowed for a rich fusion of art and spirituality, encouraging communal values through visual storytelling.
• Discuss the role of bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism and how this role was reflected in Silla artistic achievements.
  • In Mahayana Buddhism, bodhisattvas embody the ideal of compassion, choosing to assist others on their path to enlightenment instead of seeking personal nirvana. This role was reflected in Silla artistic achievements by the creation of numerous sculptures and images dedicated to bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara. These artworks not only served as objects for devotion but also communicated ethical teachings about altruism and community responsibility, highlighting how art can serve as a medium for spiritual education.
• Evaluate the broader impact of bodhisattva representations on social values during the Unified Silla Dynasty.
  • Bodhisattva representations had a profound impact on social values during the Unified Silla Dynasty by promoting ideals such as compassion, altruism, and community welfare. As these figures became focal points in religious practices, they encouraged followers to embody these virtues in their daily lives. The veneration of bodhisattvas fostered a culture where helping others was seen as a moral obligation, thus intertwining spiritual beliefs with social responsibilities and shaping community dynamics within Silla society.

Related terms

Mahayana Buddhism: A major branch of Buddhism that emphasizes the path of the bodhisattva and the importance of compassion for all beings.

Avalokiteshvara: A well-known bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, often associated with compassion and depicted as a figure who hears the cries of suffering beings.

Silla Kingdom: One of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, which played a significant role in the development of Buddhist culture and art during its Unified Silla period.