 Buddhism is a religion based upon the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, an Indian prince. When he was twenty-nine years old, Siddhartha left his palace and gave away his fine clothing and jewelry. He wanted to search for the causes of human suffering.
After wandering for many years, he found the answer. He spent the rest of his life teaching others. When he died he achieved nirvana, which means complete enlightenment, or understanding. He is called Buddha, and his name means “Enlightened One.”
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Bodhisattvas are beings who follow the Buddha’s teachings. They choose to wait to achieve nirvana so they can help people on earth understand the teachings of the Buddha.
Unlike the Buddha, they are often shown wearing beautiful jewelry. This does not mean they are rich, but it symbolizes their wealth in wisdom and knowledge.
Like the Buddha, bodhisattvas have elongated earlobes. However, unlike the Buddha, they still wear earrings. |
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Bodhisattva
Western Tibet; late 10th - early 11th century
Brass with inlays of copper and silver
H. 27 1/4 in. (69.2 cm)
Asia Society, New York: Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection 1979.045 |
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