Buddhism
One of the world’s oldest religions
The Basics of Buddhism
Learn the basics of Buddhism, including its core principles, practices, and historical roots
What is a bodhisattva?
Aniconism
The Historical Buddha
The Life of the Buddha
The four major life events of the Buddha, his birth, enlightenment, first sermon, and death (parinirvana), are often visualized in Buddhist art.
Parinirvana (out 2.6.2025)
The Enlightenment
Birth of the Buddha
The First Sermon at the Deer Park in Sarnath
Pure Land Buddhism
Learn about Pure Land Buddhism, a tradition focused on devotion to Amitabha Buddha, emphasizing salvation through faith and the aspiration for rebirth in the Pure Land. This section explores how Pure Land teachings spread across East Asia, influencing religious practices and art, including temple architecture and devotional imagery.
Amitabha (Amida Buddha)
The Western Paradise at the Phoenix Hall
Chan (Zen) Buddhism
Discover Chan Buddhism (or Zen Buddhism), an influential tradition emphasizing meditation, mindfulness, and direct experience. Learn about its origins in China and spread to Japan, and how the religion shaped artistic practices, including Zen gardens, ink painting, and the tea ceremony.
Muqi’s Persimmons
Dry garden at Ryōan-ji Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Japan
Buddhist Architecture
Discover the architectural forms that define Buddhist spaces, from stupas and pagodas to temples and monastic complexes. Learn how these structures reflect Buddhist teachings, including symbolism, the arrangement of space for meditation, and the integration of nature in sacred designs.
Kondō at Horyu-ji, Japan
Phoenix Hall at Byodo-in, Japan
Dry gardens at Ryoan-ji, Japan
Important Buddhist Symbols
Explore the meaning and significance of important Buddhist symbols, such as the Wheel of Dharma and the lotus flower. These symbols represent core Buddhist teachings, from Buddhist Law and the path to enlightenment to the interconnectedness of all life.
The stupa
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