Student Activity Three: Sacred Objects of Pilgrimage

I. The Sites of Buddhist Pilgrimage

The sacred sites of the Buddha are represented artistically by many Buddhist traditions.

Look at the images and find the following objects that area associated with the pilgrimage sites marking the life of the Buddha:

1. Buddha Shakymuni (#1)

How is the Bodhi tree positioned?

How is the pilgim represented in this piece?

2. Buddha in the Gesture of Preaching (#2)

Describe the Buddha's gesture (mudra) of teaching

How might this object be evocative for the viewer?

3.Buddha Shakymuni with Kneeling Worshippers (#3)

How isthe Buddha's enlightenment visually represnted?

How does this object convey the "right action" for the pilgrim?

II. The Journey: Ritual Objects Used by Buddhist Pilgrims

An important part of pilgrimage are the physical objects that are used by the pilgrim to enhance their feelings of spirituality during their pilgrimage. Ritual objects are also used to evoke memory of the pilgrimage once it is completed.

Look at the images and find the following ritual objects used by Buddhist pilgrims:

1. Prayer wheel (#52)
            What is it used for?
            What does it contain?
            How do you think it enhances th experience of the pilgrim?

2. Portable Buddhist Shrine (#60)

How might a portable shrine enhance the expereince of pilgrimage?

How is the Buddha depicted? What is the Buddha doing?

3. Monk's Mendicant Staff (#50)

How is the staff both practical and symbolic for the pilgrim?

How is the stupa depicted?

III. Mementos and Making Merit after the Pilgrimage

"Mementos are an integral part of the Buddhist pilgrimage experience. Pilgrims purchase souvenirs, such as votive plaques, miniature stupas, and icons, at pilgrimage sites, which have an enduring spiritual value once the pilgrim returns home from a journey. In addition to taking mementos home with them, pilgrims leave offerings at the pilgrimage site, through which they earn spiritual merit. These include votive offerings, which often take the form of plaques made out of stamped, sun-dried clay. The purchase of these offerings can be an additional opportunity to earn merit by divesting oneself of money". (from the Asia Society)

Look at the images and find the following objects that are associated with preserving the memory of the pilgrimage for the pilgrim:

1. Votive Model of Mahabodhi Temple (#74)

What is the this temple representing?

How might this piece enhance the memory of pilgrimage?

2. Scenes of the Buddha’s Life (# 75)

What events of the Buddha's life are depicted here?

How might this piece enhance the memory of pilgrimage?

3. Votive Plaque of Buddha Calling the Earth to Witness (# 78)

How is the Buddha positioned?

What familiar motifs/references are depicted in this piece?

How might this piece enhance the memory of pilgrimage?