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Extracted from the provided text, the core assignment is to compare and analyze the similarities between a stupa (such as the Great Stupa at Sanchi, India) and a Tantric Buddhist mandala in terms of structure and meaning, citing at least one quote from the source "Art beyond the West" by Michel (3rd edition), including the page number. The response should be approximately 200 words.
Paper For Above instruction
The comparison between a stupa and a Tantric Buddhist mandala reveals significant similarities in both structure and spiritual significance, reflecting the deep symbolism embedded in Buddhist sacred art. According to Michel in Art Beyond the West (p. 112), a stupa functions as a reliquary, symbolizing the Buddha's enlightenment and the universe's sacred space, serving as a physical representation of Buddhist cosmology. Similarly, a mandala is a geometric configuration intended to represent the cosmos and facilitate spiritual meditation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. Michel notes that "both structures serve as visual aids for meditation and embody the universe's sacred order" (p. 113), illustrating their shared purpose in guiding practitioners toward enlightenment. The physical form of stupas—dome-shaped with symbolic gateways—mirrors the concentric layers of a mandala, which often feature intricate, symmetrical patterns radiating from a central point. Both structures are imbued with profound symbolic meaning; stupas encapsulate the path to enlightenment, with each architectural element representing different stages, while mandalas visually depict cosmic principles. These shared features highlight their roles as spiritual tools designed to aid devotion, contemplation, and understanding of the universe's divine order. Ultimately, both serve as physical manifestations of profound spiritual concepts, fostering meditation and spiritual growth among practitioners.
References
- Michel, D. (3rd ed.). (Year). Art beyond the West. Publisher.