Standing Bodhisattva
In the third century B.C.E., there was a massive spread of Buddhism across the world. This expansion, lead to the spread of sculptures of the Bodhisattva. Northern Pakistan was one of the main countries that the majority of the populations were Buddhist. Northern Pakistan built the sculpture called “Standing Bodhisattva” to represent their religious beliefs.
The "Standing Bodhisattva" has many necklaces, which represents how their religion branched out across the world. These necklaces are similar to the ones that Buddha wears (Fiery, Gloria). One of the necklaces looks like two people on their knees praying together. The sculpture appears to be a male, even though it was thought that the Bodhisattva has no gender (Fiery, Gloria). Also, the "Standing Bodhisattva" appears to be standing on a fancy pedestal. He looks like a soldier due to his muscular body and his serious look on his face. This is due to the fact that Bodhisattvas were heroes of Buddhism.
The "Standing Bodhisattva" was a result of the massive spread of Buddhism across the world. The Northern part of Pakistan built the sculpture to pay their respect and honor their religion. The necklaces and clothing are both example of the spread of the religion.
Work Cited
Fiery, Gloria. The Humanistic Tradition. 5th New York McGrawHill, 2006. 15. Print
