There are three main traditions of of Buddhism, Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana with around 500 million followers. The leaflet accompanying the exhibition tells me that 300,000 of those live in the UK. Originating from India, the Buddha was born Prince Siddhartha Gautama over 2,500 years ago in modern day Nepal.
The exhibition documents the Buddha’s life from birth to death in beautifully coloured scrolls and then goes on to explain Buddhist philosophy, the spread of Buddhism and its practice. The Buddha’s teachings were written on palm leaves and later block printed. Gold and silver was also used. The calligraphy and art work is quite beautiful.
It is said that the Buddha had previous lives (reincarnation being one of the major believes, as in Hinduism) and the last ten of those are mentioned in a document on show (see photo below). There are at least twenty-four previous Buddha’s, who predicted Buddhism. Buddhist believe that there is another Buddha to come. He is known as Maitreya he currently resides in one of the Buddhist’s heavens.
For monks there are 227 rules they have to follow. For the women there are 311 rules, the extras are mainly for their own protection. The Noble Path, or Middle Way, offers a path to liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
An interesting exhibition, the colour work on the scrolls is amazing, very bright. I came away knowing a little bit more than I did in the beginning, the stories a reminder of its close relation….Hinduism.
Prayer Wheel
The exhibition is on until 23rd February
Nearest station is Kings Cross/St Pancras
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