Perpetually confused: Role of Buddhist Siddhacaryas in expansion of Vajrayana Art and Iconography

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Role of Buddhist Siddhacaryas in expansion of Vajrayana Art and Iconography

ABSTRACT

This paper aims at critically looking into the origin and development of the Order of the Buddhist Siddhas and their role in shaping the Vajrayana art and iconography. The impact of Theory of Dhyani-Buddha, their consorts and series of emanations as propounded in the Guhyasamaja Tantra had been immense. The appropriation and sharing of the semiotics of new pantheon with the parallel evolving sampradayas like Natha and Kapalika created a veritable multi-hued imagery of deities that has enriched Indian art and culture for aeons.

KEYWORDS:

Dhyani-Buddhas, Guhyasamaja, Karuna, mahasukha,Manjusrimulakalpa, Natha, Padamsambhava, Prajña , sahaja, Sunyata ,Upaya.

Paper published in Journal of Indian Research

http://mujournal.mewaruniversity.in/JIR%202-1/8.pdf

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