Buddha’s foot print: reasons for its origin and renown as a historical symbol
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Date
2018-04-03
Authors
Harshana, Kavindranath
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The foot print of the Buddha is one of the greatest symbols that represent the greatness of the Buddha. It is a noticeable vestige of artistic value in Indian and Sri Lankan art history. People are used to worshiping it considering it as the Buddha, even before and after the creation of the Buddha's statue. It can be considered as a relic as well. Some research is available in India regarding the Buddha's foot print. Most of the time such research has been connected to stone slabs. Some investigations have been done in Sri Lanka but this has not received in depth study. Worshipping the Foot is a multireligious practice. The Foot print as a symbol occupies a significant place in the Buddhist field of art. The Religious and philosophical significance of the Buddha’s foot print is an interesting subject for research. The study is not confined to the investigation of stone slabs alone but cultural implications and traditions are also considerations. Discussing how the foot prints of the Buddha were conceptualized and how the idea of foot-print gained popularity as a Buddhist symbol constitute the main objectives of the research. The findings of the study show that religious and philosophical views have played a role in creating this Buddhist symbol. The foot print has become part of religious and philosophical cognition. This research is relevant not only to the field of Buddhist studies but also to the field of art. Combined with archaeology and Buddhist art this investigation produces interesting results. This research attempts to identify some religious principles and cognitive principles that influenced the production of the foot print. How religious principles affect the people, and how their traditions and customs affected their art can be seen through this investigation.
Description
Keywords
The Buddha , Foot Print , Art History
Citation
Proceedings of the PGIHS Research Congress (PGIHS-RC-2018), University of Peradeniya, p.40