Buddhist architecture is esoteric, intentional, spiritual, and symbolic. Each design choice is aimed to convey deeper meanings rooted in Buddhist philosophies. There exists a spiritual influence of religion on this typology of architecture, ranging from symbolism in motifs and sacred geometry to even the requirements of a monastic lifestyle. Various typologies of Buddhist temples have evolved, ranging from Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Cambodian, Vietnamese, Burmese and Laotian Buddhist temples. Amongst these varied typologies of Buddhist architecture, there exists a common foundation for the design principles upon which they are built.
Symbolism in Buddhist Architecture
Early symbolism in Buddhist architecture was a key element of Buddhist beliefs, or Dharma, which included Stupas, Dharmachakras, the Bodhi tree, the Lotus flower and the Swastika. The Ashtamangala is the sacred suite of eight revered symbols, derived from Mahayana traditions. These symbolic attributes ‘yidam’ are essentially principles and tools around which one must centre their learnings. There are multiple cultural variations of the Ashtamangala, the following is in the sequence according to Nepalese Buddhism
- Endless Knot ‘Srivasta’: Symbolises Buddha’s mind and his endless wisdom and compassion.
- Lotus ‘Padma’: Represents purity in our minds and our actions.
- Victory Banner ‘Dhvaja’: Represents Buddha’s victory over Mara, the Lord of Illusion.
- Wheel of the law ‘Dharmachakra’: Represents Buddha’s teachings and beliefs, Buddha himself and the path to enlightenment.
- Treasure Vase ‘Bumpa’: Represents wealth, abundance, affluence and prosperity.
- Two Golden Fish ‘Gaurmatsya’: Initially symbolising the two rivers, Yamuna and Ganga, now represent good fortune and luck.
- Parasol ‘Chatraratna’: Represents royalty and the protection Dharma provides to oneself.
- Conch ‘Sankha’: Represents the sonorous sound of Buddha’s teachings, awakening beings from ignorance
In addition to iconography, symbolism can be found in architectural features. This includes elements such as tiered roofs, usually adorned with golden ornaments, which essentially symbolise spiritual ascension and the journey towards enlightenment. Another common feature is a prayer wheel, which is believed to release prayers, from the scrolls of mantras, into the universe when spun. Numerous features are linked to a symbolic representation of the flow of positive spiritual energy to and from the universe.
The symbolism also extends to the layout and spatial organisation of the temples. The spatial hierarchy within these structures, from the outer courtyards to the innermost sanctum, represents one’s journey from the mundane world to a sacred realm. Additionally, the layout is crucial to the orientation and placement of the plan and entrance to the cardinal directions, drawing from the interconnected field of Vastu Shastra in Indian architecture.
Mandalas and Murals
A mandala, which translates to ‘circle’, represents the universe. It is a pivotal feature of both the spatial layout and adornment of a Buddhist structure. It represents the cosmos, both metaphorically and spiritually, additionally giving a devotee an organisational structure upon which to build one’s life. More specifically, it represents the core of the universe, where all things come from and to which all things must return. It also symbolises one’s spiritual journey from the outside to oneself inward. The implementation of mandalas in floor plans and spatial layouts parallel the concentric circles and squares of a mandala, symbolising layers of spiritual realms.
Murals in Buddhist temples and monasteries are more than just embellishments. They are profound spiritual depictions encompassing themes of cosmology, deities, enlightenment, and history, with a twofold intention of education as well as meditation. These serve as tools to visualise the divine themes devotees seek to find.
Requirements of a Monastic Lifestyle
Monasteries are more than just places of worship, they are havens for learning, meditation and communal living. As a result of communal living and shared sacred spaces, living quarters are designed to cater to both communal as well as individualistic spaces for secluded meditation nooks. Libraries, teaching halls ‘dukhang’ and meditation rooms ‘gompas’ are fundamental to most Buddhist establishments. Adaptation to one’s surroundings extends beyond its inculcation in monastic lifestyles to monastic architecture, reflecting principles surrounding harmony with nature and fellow devotees.
The central meditation hall is typically the focal space of the complex just as meditation is the focal activity of a monastic lifestyle. Pathways and corridors are designed to foster contemplative and introspective walking. This layout parallels the journey of life itself, with each step of the pathway representing a step in the journey to enlightenment.
Stupas and Spiritual Enlightenment
The design of a Stupa or ‘Chorten’ (Tibetan) implements spiritual symbolism, with each part representing a varying aspect of the universe, with different typologies of stupas commemorating significant events in Buddha’s life and his teachings. It represents the path to enlightenment, with the circular base representing the cycle of birth and death up to the pinnacle, representing the atBuddhismtainment of Nirvana. The base symbolises the earth, the dome symbolises water, the spire- fire and the pinnacle- air, with the space above representing the void: the enlightened mind.
Buddhist architecture implements spiritual metaphors and symbolism in almost every aspect of the design, planning, construction and decoration. It transcends mere physical structure, offering a tangible representation of the path to enlightenment. This spiritual journey is mirrored in both the internal world of the devotees as well as their external environments, building a connection between human and divine: an integration of sacred philosophies and architectural ingenuity.
References:
- Buddhism & architecture (no date) Buddhism & Architecture | Nan Tien Temple. Available at: https://www.nantien.org.au/en/buddhism/knowledge-buddhism/buddhism-architecture (Accessed: 26 May 2024).
- Symbolism of Buddhist architecture in Indian Building and … Available at: https://ijisrt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IJISRT18SP277.pdf (Accessed: 26 May 2024).
- Buddhist architecture: A spiritual journey through stupas, temples, and Zen Garden, Abirpothi. Available at: https://abirpothi.com/buddhist-architecture-a-spiritual-journey-through-stupas-temples-and-zen-garden/ (Accessed: 26 May 2024).
- (Symbols, art, and aesthetics. Available at: https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/docs/support/world_religions/buddhism/symbols.pdf (Accessed: 26 May 2024).
