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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 5 page research paper that discusses the symbolism inherent in Buddhist and Hindu religious architecture, focusing on cosmological interpretation. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: KL9_khbudhinarch.doc
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
This characteristic of architecture is particularly evident when the topic of religious architecture is considered. The focus of this examination of Buddhist and Hindu architecture is on its symbolic meaning,
that is, the manner in which religious architecture is understood within the realms of these two great world religions. Buddhism and Hinduism share a long history of coexistence on
the Indian subcontinent. Therefore, there has been a comingling of their ideas and beliefs. As both religions spread, this feature became more pronounced and there is evidence that the cosmology
of Buddhism and Hinduism affected the theoretical foundation for kingship within the developing states of Southeast Asia, after these religions were introduced into the region during the fourth and fifth
centuries CE (Moffett, Fazio and Wodehouse 75). This influence is evident as well within the design and structural elements of temples, palaces and cities (Chihara 25). As in Buddhist practice,
the Hindu temple creates a "link between the gods and the worship" (Moffett, Fazio and Wodehouse 76). In both traditions, the architecture of the temple incorporates aspects of cultural cosmological
perspective through the use of "specific forms, sacred geometry, careful orientation and axial alignments" (Moffett, Fazio and Wodehouse 77). Hindu temples, for example, include architectural features that are symbolic of
the "holy mountain, the sacred cave and the cosmic axis" (Moffett, Fazio and Wodehouse 76). Both Buddhism and Hinduism envision an "cosmic mountain" at the center of earthly life, with
the "sun, moon and stars" revolving around this point (Chihara 25). While Buddhist and Hindu terms differ, they agree on the concentric zones that surround the sacred mountain and configuration
is symbolized in their religious architecture (Chihara 26). Referred to as "Mahameru by the Hindus and Simeru by the Buddhists," this idea is symbolically expressed in the temple design of
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