Influence of Buddhism Documents on the Continuity of Buddhism

BUDDHISM
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Introduction
Buddhism is one of the major religions in the world today. It is also one of the religions that are based on Nontheism and majority of its beliefs are based on the teaching of Siddhartha Gautama. Most of the beliefs are based on traditions, practices and beliefs linked to the universe. As part of the safeguards to make sure that the religion sustained it relevance in the world without being diluted by aspects of other religions, social, geographical and political factors. There are series of Documents that epitomize the elements of safeguarding the religion and have subtle relevance with respect to location and value. These are documents that have played a great role in making sure that the religion has held on to its roots for ages. This paper evaluates the subtle relevance of the documents and how their value has impacted the continuity of Buddhism amidst pressure from other religions, social values, geographical and political factors.
Thesis Statement: Buddhism Documents have had massive influence on its continuity amidst the social, political, geographical and religious pressures.
The documents and their role in Buddhism
Document A: Buddhist Manuscript of the Great Dagoba (Stupa)
This was a collection manuscripts made on gold wood that was opaque; it was also made of palm leaves. The manuscript is thought to have been created in the 18th century with parts of the production estimated to have come from the 1st century in Sri Lanka. This is a collection of texts that calls to mind the aspects of textual production of the teaching of Buddha to the rest of the world and for generations to come. It stipulates clearly the role that the monasteries have to play in making sure that the teachings are not diluted in any way and the subtle influence that the Stupas have to play. This is with reference to the creation and maintenance of the texts and the messages that Buddha wanted to pass across to the world (Buddhist Manuscript of the Great Dagoba (Stupa). This piece plays a major role in making sure that the monasteries understand that they need to protect the serenity of the teachings if the religion is to survive the pressures of the world. It is astonishing to note that, Buddha at these early ages of the human development understood the kind of influence that the world and all the factors abound can influence believe and dilute the objectivity of the religion. It is for this reason that this document plays a great role in support of the thesis statement of the paper.
Document B: Head of bodhisattva
This is a document that dates back to the 100CE with its man origin in Pakistan. Today it is found at the museum of art in San Diego. It includes some of the main features of cultural background from Central Asia as well as India, which can be derived from the turban on the head of sculpture. There is a lot of relevance that can be found on the values of the Gandhara, which from the features appears to have been carved in southern India. The head of the Bodhisattva has a direct relation to the element of being liberated. It represented and still does, a path to be followed by someone that is on their way to becoming a Buddha (Head of bodhisattva). As a Buddhist, one has to liberate themselves from the suffering and embrace the art of helping others. It is a way of helping the believers in the teaching across the world to cultivate the art of generosity and compassion. As such the head acts as an object that inspires devotion to the course of good and compassion among the Buddhists.
Document C: Buddha and Nanda in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods
This is also a document that has its origin in Pakistan, dating back to the 2nd century CE. Today the sculpture resides in the San Diego museum of art. In the art, Buddha is seen to hold the hand of his half brother while encouraging him to overcome the attachment that he has to his wife, while preparing him by showing the heaven to come of the 33 gods (Buddha and Nanda in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three Gods). Buddha shows Nanda his half brother that his wives beauty will soon be lost and he should embrace the heave to come. The sculpture relates to the beauty of the heavens and the gods that watch over the rest of the world. It also signifies the subject of devotion to the godly nature of the heavens, with respect to the worldly pleasures.
Document D: Buddha (at center) with Worshippers
Currently, this piece of art can be found at the San Diego museum of art. However, this art originated from Pakistan as part of the Gandhara, where it was created, during the 2nd century CE. A closer look at the art reveals that there are some elements of Greco-Romans clothing and Corinthians architectural columns on the side. In this art, the worshipers join Buddha in prayer which is a collective responsibility of the believers to be together (Buddha (at center) with Worshippers). This is unity that is not influenced by the world views, but rather bound in place by the values and devotion to togetherness in things that precede harmony in the world. Buddha is also placed at the center, empha...