For most people, it is commonly thought that religious art is art that connects with a certain religion. Like a painting showing Jesus on a cross and Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus would be automatically viewed as a religious piece of art because it corresponds to Christianity. However, it can be argued that religious art does not just fall into one category. In fact, religion and art are on a continuum. It is commonly thought back then that religious art is painted or created in a certain way to represent the divine or the ultimate reality. The conservative mindset of how religious art was supposed to be was very traditional and clear as to what religion the art is relating to.
However, religious art cannot simply be viewed as religious art just because it has some affiliation to a religion. It goes beyond that. Moreover, religious art extends out of the certain religion, and goes deeper into the individual’s experience while looking or observing the art piece. Artistic expression of the sacred is considered religious not just because it is affiliated to a religion, but it also provides a sense of spiritual connection and experience to the divine or ultimate reality. Rather …show more content…
A little background about Buddhist art and Buddhism in general begins with the story of Siddhartha Gautama, also known as, Buddha Shakyamuni. Buddha Shakyamuni was a crown prince, who left his luxurious life, to experience suffering and overcame the suffering. Through his years out of the palace, Siddhartha, suffered tremendously, and was able to overcome this suffering and rid himself of desires. After his journey of suffering, he was enlightened and was deemed as who we commonly know him as, “The Buddha.” From here on, Buddha Shakyamuni teachings of overcoming suffrage, ridding oneself from desires, and reaching enlightenment was the beginning of the Buddhist religion (“The Buddha