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Cordell Crosby
Las 341 AA
Peter Barr
February 3, 2015
Compare and Contrast
In the Hindu and Buddhist one might conclude that there many similarities as well as
differences. In class we were given two forms of material objects that represent tremendous
amounts of symbolic mean to each ones religion. These materials that were represented by both
were called “The Wheel of Life” and “The Shiva Nataraja”. With these two piece material
individuals were able to find similarities as well as differences such as in time frame and
materials, salvation, representation, purpose. After gathering all the information one was able to
determine how similar and different the Buddhist and Hindu culture is.
One difference between the two pieces is in the time frame in which each piece was
originally created and the material of the piece. The first piece we discuss is the “The Wheel of
life” from the Buddhist culture. It was created in the 1800 Eastern Tibetan Asia. The material
that the piece was made out of was silk applique textile about 111.5x 80 inches. While the
second piece from the Hindu culture is the “Shiva Nataraja” is nothing like the first. This piece
was created in 11th century in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva Nataraja is made out of a copper alloy
statue that stands about 26 ⅞ inches tall. These pieces were roughly created over 600 years
apart. They were also created more than 1500 miles away from each other. These are just one of
many difference that separate the Buddhist and Hindu pieces apart from one another.
Another difference between the two pieces of art are the reason for salutation amongst
their ways of reaching salvation. In the Buddhist piece “The Wheel of Life” one is trying to
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reach salvation through enlistment. Which is going through the magga, which is prescription for
the end of suffering through the enlightenment path. One is said to have to go through first the
two stages of wisdom. Such as samma ditthi the right of understanding. Which is accepting the
Buddhist teachings by practicing them and judging them for yourself whether they are true or
not. The second stage one must go through is the samma sankappa, the right of intention. In
order to complete this stage one must have a commitment to cultivate the right attitudes. Then
one is to go the ethical conduct. In which the individual must reach samma vaca, samma
kammanta and the samma ajiva. Which includes learning the right of speech, the right of action
and the right of livelihood. After one has completed that they must move onto the final stage of
magga which is the meditation stage. Where one goes through samma vayama, the right effort
which consist of positive states of mind. Then through the samma sati the right mindfulness,
which is developing awareness of the body. Finally they go through samma samadhi the right
concentration. Where one develops the mental focus necessary in order to reach salvation. While
on the other hand Hindu salvation through the “Shiva Nataraja” is quite different. Hinduism try
to reach salvation through Marga. Through one's faith. In order to proceed one must go through
the way of knowledge, the way of devotion, and the way of works. One goes through the way of
devotion by the stage of Bhakti marga. Where one surrenders themselves to god worshiping.
Then the individuals must go through way of knowledge which is called Jnana marga. This is
where one studies the sacred texts and contemplation of the soul. Thirdly through the way of
works which is known as the karma marga. In this stage one goes through the way of good deeds
as well as properly following the religious ceremonies and traditions. After one has completed
these steps that is how the individuals is said to have reached salvation. One has quick way of
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reaching salvation through three steps while the other use eight steps which is just a few
differences between the two.
Although there are quite many differences there are also many similarities between the
pieces. In both pieces “The Wheel of Life” and “The Shiva Nataraja” both depict representation
of evil. In the wheel of life we get the picture that things in the middle of the textile are what they
considered to where evil lies. This is where the six domains of desire which lie in the yama belly.
They are “Deva” the god domain, “Asura” the jealous god domain, “Manussa” the human
domain, “Tiryagyoni” the animal domain, “Preta” the hungry ghost domain and the “Naraka” the
hell domain. These are all the dangerous and where evil lives. While the Shiva Nataraja we see
what each leg are arm represents where potential evil may lurk. Such as damaru which is held in
his upper right hand where vibrating sound creation is stored. Whereas the abjaya is the lower
right hand where removing the fear and protecting and preserving life is. The Agni the upper left
hand is consuming fire of dynamic destructions. The apasmara purusha right foot is where
human mankind is astray and the gaja hasta is left leg where it provides refuge for the trouble
soul. As you can see majority of evil is presented in the pit of the stomach of this statute. Which
gives us that similarity that middle of these two pieces is where no one wants to be but is
represented in the same way.
Another similarity between the two is in the purpose of the two piece represent to each
religion. Both the Wheel of Life and the Shiva Nataraja both give their followers of their
religions guidance. For Buddhist the Wheel of Life gives information towards its followers to
enlighten them about continuing down the righteous path of reaching enlightenment. Just as well
as the Shiva Nataraja which informs the Hindu followers of what is expected out of each Hindu
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and what one must do in their life to full there life goal. Both are similar because of they teach
the values of their religion and illustrate ideas that one must follow.
In conclusion, one could determine that these two pieces of materials from the Hindu and
Buddhist religion could be considered similar as well as different. Such as in the in time frame
and material of the two, the salvation, representation of evil in the two and the purpose the
represented. The Wheel of Life and the Shiva Nataraja both give great insight into the religions
of culture of the Buddhism and Hinduism. Without the two materials personal speaking it would
have been very hard to understand the two religions. The two religions to be myself considered
very difficult religions because one has to follow many rules in order to reach where they want
be when they die. Which is why if one is involved in any of these religious they deserve a round
of applause because it takes time and dedication do to some of the things they do.
.