Exam 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Western Cultural Bias

A

Monotheism: Western Culture
Polytheism: Hinduism
Ideas about Progress
History as Linear Progression
Cyclical View of History

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

History as Linear Progression

A

Christian Narrative is linear. Creation, a fall from grace, redemption and chance at salvation. Is presented as a tragic human story of loss, self-sacrifice, atonement

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Cyclical View of History

A

A dynamic, joyous, cyclical image,
“Nataraja” -“Lord of the Dance”
Brahma - Creator of the universe
Vishnu - Preserver
Shiva - The Destroyer

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Harappa

A

Northern part of India
“Nude Male” ca. 2300-1750
Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE
Civilization declines and replaced by village life - production of script, seals, sculptures declines and almost ends. Apparently however some of the religious foundations remain.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

Non-Western

A

The term “Non-Western” implies a negative connotation. Though not intentional it does speak to a “lack” of scholarship on the subject.
Western is the Americas, and Europe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Ideas about Progress

A

abstraction, naturalism is no longer the guiding principle for artists. Attitudes about sexuality have changed. Also in academia multiculturalism in now in vogue.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Diversity and Continuity

A

Diversity:
Culture is ancient
20 different languages
Tropical jungles in the south, mountain north, desert west
Continuity:
Official and national language is Hindi but English is linguistic link between the various regions / communities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Indus Valley Civilization

A

Region that is now Pakistan
India. Similar to Ancient Mesopotamian cultures
Some of Religious and cultural practices would be passed on.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

Mohenjo-daro

A

ca. 2600 BCE -Monumental architecture / mud-brick houses / sewage systems / ceramics
Artificial substructures raised buildings above plains demonstrating attempt to account for seasonal flooding
The cities housed a variety of public buildings
“Great Bath”
Multiple centers dedicated to craft making: Ceramics, terracotta sculpture, bead making, shell carving, etc.
Mohenjo-Daro seals were square with knob and often carved with raised image so impression is indented into clay .

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

“Great Bath”

A

Functioned as a public recreational bathing facility but also ritual bathing. One of world’s first sophisticated water supply systems
o Surrounding it were porticoes and rooms with a stairway leading to an upper level

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE

A

Version of the ideal human form but also expression of the idea of duality which is a reflection of the human condition.
Poised between tension and relaxation - metaphor for belief humans should strive to achieve balance.
Understanding the relationship of muscles to skeleton

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

“Unicorn Seal”(Mold) - Mohenjo-Daro ca. 2300 BCE

A

Likely attached to bales of merchandise to identify individuals, families, traders. Was to signify ownership.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Yoga

A

Usage today is to practice controlling the body and relaxing the mind to “YOKE” or unite with the divine universal forces. Suggests this kind of practice had long history

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

“Prana”

A

Filled with living breath, breathing control used in yoga

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Tribhanga

A

(three bends pose): body bends at neck, waist, knee

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Brahmin

A

Priest

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Stupa

A

Memorial ground
meant as aniconic representation of Buddha himself AND his enlightenment / Nirvana. His imminent “reality” (his relics) AND his higher transcendental actuality.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Bodhisattva

A

On the brink of enlightenment, but delay in order to help others get there
depicted in rich jewelry, dressed elaborately
“Buddha of the future”

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Trefoil

A

In Sumerian art trefoil designs are found on sacred objects suggesting this figure is a priest or king or both.
Ø Three leaf clover like

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

The middle path

A

Shuns extreme penance and sensual indulgence. Must live in a the world.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Samsara

A

Coming into existence

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Karma

A

Actions of life

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Moksha

A

Hindu- liberation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Nirvana

A

Buddhist- cessation

25
Q

Buddha

A

Buddha born Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal. His teachings were against traditional Vedic hierarchy.
would be either the ruler of the world OR a great spiritual leader.
Leaves palace at 29 and encounters human suffering for the first time - renounces materialism and begins path towards enlightenment.
Follows a path of asceticism, self discipline and meditation. Eventually adopts a “middle-way”
Tempted by demon Mara, resists and achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha.

26
Q

Ashoka

A

unites almost all of the Indian sub-continent and parts of central Asia after a series of violent campaigns then converts to Buddhism. Begins first official sponsorship of Buddhism.
renounces violence expressing regret of the slaughter caused by his conquests and sets forth code of righteous living. Edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout his empire.
greatest accomplishment was redistribution of Buddha’s relics.

27
Q

Yakshi

A

Personify fertility and vegetation

28
Q

Chaitya hall

A

1st century BCE
Architectural building in a cave, a place to get away from distractions cooler and dryer
Carved to imitate the earlier wooden structures, added detail, sculptural, acts as a reminder to the Buddhist philosophy that life is an illusion

29
Q

Mithuna couple

A

Loving couple

30
Q

Ushnisha

A

Top knot, great wisdom, looks like man bun but is growth on head

31
Q

Urna

A

Forehead whirl of hair (where Tika goes)

32
Q

Mudra

A

Hand gestures
“abhaya mudra” do not fear, gesture of Blessing and protection

33
Q

Hand gestures

A

“Dhyana mudra” signifies meditation, right hand over the left both palms up
“Bhumispara mudra” right hand reaching to the ground
“Dharmachakra mudra” wheel of the law, right thumb and index finger forming a circle

34
Q

Aniconic

A

Didn’t make imagery

35
Q

Jatakas

A

Stories depicting the life of Buddha in symbolic form. Buddhists used story telling to popularize the faith. Reliefs make access to the faith easier

36
Q

Theravada Buddhis

A

Oldest upholds monastic path and recognizes primacy/ humanity of historical Buddha

37
Q

Mahayana Buddhism

A

Believed in possibility of universal salvation. Practitioners assisted by bodhisattvas

38
Q

Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism

A

Practices follow ancient Vedic/ Hindu ritual texts and other esoteric acts considered taboo. Practice in secret with help of spiritual guide

39
Q

Buddhism art

A

Gandhara and Kushan period, 2nd/3rd century CE
Two distinct type of images of Buddha (seated and standing)
They needed something to direct their personal devotion into worship to (thinks means that Buddha is now in human form)
Gandaran version is an image of Buddha done in Western style but with Buddhist iconography.
Its possible roman artists were brought to India by Kushan empowers
Physical features identify his role as spiritual leader
Elongated earlobes from jewelry he wore when he was a prince, now gone
Mathura version, more indigenous depiction, much closer to the Indian portrayal of yakshis/yakshas

40
Q

CASTE SYSTEM:

A

Brahmin (“Priests”)
Ksatriya (“Warriors”)
Vaisya (“Farmers”)
Sudra (“Artisans/ worker class”)
Outcasts / Untouchables

41
Q

Four Great Miracles of Buddha:

A

1) Birth
Mother Maya in a three send pose 2nd century CE
Still depicted as Buddha even before he reached enlightenment
2) Enlightenment
“The life and death of Buddha”, Demons of Mara (unwholesome impulsions) tempt him
3) First Sermon
“The life and death of Buddha- Preaching”
Depicts him in the deer park
4) Death and Nirvana
“The life and death of Buddha- death”
His followers are overcome with grief except the monks who recognize he will permanently be released from suffering

42
Q

Four Noble Truths:

A

1) Life is suffering
2) Suffering is caused by desire
3) Desire can be overcome by conquering ignorance
4) Follow an upright path

43
Q

Circumambulation

A

higher transcendental actuality

44
Q

Harmika

A

Zenith of buddhas journey

45
Q

Vedika

A

Railway around elevated walkway

46
Q

Tornana

A

Gateway

47
Q

Two types of rock cut architecture:

A

Vihara - living spaces for monks
Chaitya Halls - Congregational use

48
Q

Hindu Art

A

Hinduism replaces Buddhism as main religion in India. Hindus recognize no great founder or prophet. Belief system based on accumulation of sacred and devotional texts, myths, rituals & practices. Literary sources date back to Vedic period - shares much in common with Buddhism.

49
Q

Hindu Cosmology: Reincarnation and Karma - “Cause and Effect”

A

Universe is cyclical
Form of an egg superstars into regions where Gods, Demons, and humans battle for control.They represent forces of both order and chaos
Struggle is necessary/ desirable search for balance between opposite forces.
Ritual sacrifice to please a deity , believe they can form personal bonds to a deity and share in it’s wisdom and blessings.
Ultimate goal is moksha or liberation
Hindus believe the body is the vehicle for the soul.
If made in the proper way the deity can be induced into inhabiting the image. Pantheon of god/goddess is vast, complex, and syncretic

50
Q

Snakes and Ladders

A

Hindu game about reincarnation, karma and the souls journey to Moksha.
Cause and effect
Your soul can migrate forwards and backwards
You start at number 36, represents when your soul reaches human consciences and you can determine your own fate by how you act
Hindus don’t believe in “eternal damnation” or Hell.

51
Q

Main Gods In Hinduism

A

Brahma (Creator) male
Vishnu (Preserver) male (supreme god of vishnuism)
Shiva (Destroyer) male (supreme god of shivuism)
Devi (Great Mother ) female (supreme god of shaktism)

52
Q

Mandala

A

Cosmic design

53
Q

Shiva lingam

A

Shiva worshipped in abstract form, represents his omnipotence, a formless figure)

54
Q

Yoni

A

Symbolic representation of the female figure

55
Q

Shakti

A

Having a powerful female energy

56
Q

Dharma

A

The law

57
Q

Manifest

A

How a god is depicted

58
Q

Puja

A

Devotional ritual involves all the senses