Worksheet 1A

Do You See What I See?

Project Instructions

Directions:

1) Your assigned Buddhist art form is sculpture.

2) Visit the websites from the resource list below to find examples and descriptions
of Buddhist sculpture. Start with the websites that give general information on
symbolism in Buddhist art, then find examples of the art form.
3) Based on your observations and reading, answer the questions on Worksheet 2A.
4) Prepare a PowerPoint presentation containing the following components:

3 or more images of the examples of the art form that include explanations of
the symbolism used. Use your research sheet as a guide for which facts you would
select.

5) Present your slide show to the class.

6) Small group discussion: observations about Buddhist art and use of symbolism.
 Worksheet 2A

Do You See What I See?

Research Sheet

Part 1:
Answer the following questions:

1. What is the symbolism of the lotus flower? How does the form of the
lotus flower represent different ideas?
2. What are the Eight Auspicious Symbols?
3. What are mudras?
4. What is Lakshana? What do each of the following features represent:
long earlobes, knot on head, and third eye?
5. What are some of the different postures of Buddha and what does
each represent?
6. Name three different forms of Buddha and explain what each Buddha
represents.

Part 2: Translating the Images

Once you have a basic guide of the symbols, you will need to find three or
more images of the Buddha.

For each image, answer the following questions:

1) Where (and when) did this statue originate?

2) What materials are used in the construction of the statue?
3) Using the symbols you found in Part 1, what story does this statue tell
the viewer?

Part 3:Power Point

Since you will show the class what you have found about symbolism in
Buddhist art, you will need to create a slide show of images and
explanations.

Your presentation should have at least 3 images of the Buddha as well as

explanations about the symbolism in each. Consider using Autoshape
arrows and textboxes to insert commentary about the different features of
the Buddhist statues.
 Worksheet 3A

Do You See What I See?

Buddhist Sculpture Hotlist

Use the following websites as the basis of your research.

Symbolism in Buddhist Art

Buddha Net
This website provides background on several different aspects of Buddhist
art, including mudras (hand gestures) the wheel of dharma, and the lotus
flower.

 Symbols in Buddhist Art

This graduate student created website provides visuals to highlight the eight
auspicious symbols, the lotus flower, and hand gestures. A quick ready to
use reference.

 Images of Buddha
This website contains images of Buddha as well as explanations of Buddhist
sculpture. You can find the definition of Lakshana here.

 Antique Zen
This commercial website provides historical information about Buddhist
art as well as a glossary of Buddhas.

 About.com
This website provides a glossary of Buddhist art related terms and brief
explanations of the symbolisms

Buddhist Sculptures

Asian Art Gallery

This website features a slide show on a diverse group of Buddhist statues
representing different styles of Buddhist sculpture.

 Buddhist images in Thai Art

This website provides a slide show of the Buddhist image in Thai art.

 Sackler Gallery Exhibit on Buddhist Art

This online exhibit highlights Buddhist Art from India, China and Japan.