Architecture as an art form
As students in humanities we are challenged to view the world through alternate lenses. With these lenses we are able to go beyond the basic levels of understanding. By viewing the world in these lenses one gains the ability to apply critical thinking skills. This skill is useful in becoming affluent with the knowledge of a new culture. By transcend beyond our own prepossessed generalizations, conducting research, and allowing ourselves to view other cultures from the perspective of those who experience them, we gain insight. What we do with this insight defines us as humans. As humans we are spiritual gifted with creativity. We use this gift of creativity to record our thoughts, our history, our passions, and our emotions through different mediums. Our present day is filled with these mediums, we are surrounded by them. An individual analyzing these mediums might not think to recognize architecture as a form of art. Rather visually, one might first associate painting and photos. When one observes our buildings through the lens of an artisan, they will soon see the beauty in the geometrical patters. These patters may have religious or spiritual symbolism placed within the walls. These symbols may be very apparent, carvings of gods or heroes that adorn the buildings. Or the message can be hidden within layers of construction.
BUDDHISM: The Architecture of the faith
Above is a picture of a stupa, it is based off of the burial mounds used to hold the ashes of Buddha. Buddhist believes that after the body of Buddha became deceased, his soul passed into the holy state of Nirvana. It is important to note the connection between the Buddha's burial and the architecture of the stupas. They are constructed in a way that represents the posture in which Buddha would make when meditating on the throne of the lion. You can envision the folded legs of Buddha forming the base of the structure. The construction of this stupa’s can hold several different meanings. There are relic stupas that are used to hold the remains of Buddha and his Buddhist disciples. There are Objective stupas, which encase the items and belong of disciples of Buddha. There is the Commemorative Stupa which is constructed in order to commemorate the events that occurred in the life of the Buddha or his disciples. There is the Symbolic Stupa. The symbolic stupa is used to symbolize different aspects of Buddhist theology such as the spiritual stages. Lastly there is the votive stupa. The votive stupa is built to bestow visitors of these stupas with spiritual benefits and insight. The stupas are built in layer. The base of a stupa represents the earth. The second layer of a stupa, usually a dome or vase shape, it is a representation of water. The third level is the beginning of the spire. This space is a representation of fire. The last point of the spire is shaped like a lotus flower, something that has spiritual meaning in Buddhism and is a representation of air. Finally the point at the tip of the stupa is a representation of space. Together the structure of stupas displays the five elements. Constructing these stupas is considered to be very beneficial. They leave behind a positive karmic vibration on ones thoughts. Doings so it will ensure a fortunate rebirth, leading to attainable state of enlightenment. Enlightenment is the ultimate goal of Buddhist followers. It is a state of understanding.
HINDUISM: The ARCHITECTURE of the Faith
The Hindu faith
is polytheistic. This means that Hinduism is a faith that believes in,
and worships, several different gods. Because of this, it is not uncommon to
see temples that are dedicated to a more than one. One characteristic of these
temples include carvings. This carving can envelope the entire structure. The buildings
themselves work like a giant canvas telling the stories of these gods.