Symposia & Conferences
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Item A Comparative Analysis of Symbols and Motifs in Jain and Buddhist Religions(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017) Prakash, R.The history of human thought discloses that man has been in constant search of truth and happiness. There are times when we do not understand what is being meant by a word, a thought, an act, or a thing. We need other things to describe them in order to properly understand their meanings. This is particularly true when we are dealing with works of art in the literary world. This is why symbols and motifs are created: to help us understand. The Jain Symbol is a congregation of various symbols, each having a deeper meaning. Many Buddhist symbols need to be considered within the culture of the people who follow it. Therefore, many of the early symbols relate to ancient India and can be found in Hinduism as well, although possibly with a somewhat different meaning. It is said that the Buddha was reluctant to accept images of himself as he did not like to be venerated as a person. To symbolise the Buddha in the very early art, one used mainly the Eight Spoked Wheel and the Bodhi Tree, but also the Buddha's Footprints, an Empty Throne, a Begging Bowl and a Lion are used to represent him. A motif is an image, spoken or written word, sound, act, or another visual or structural device that has symbolic significance. It is used to develop and inform the theme of a literary work. The concept of a motif is related to a theme, but unlike a theme which is an idea or message, a motif is a detail that is repeated in a pattern of meaning that can produce a theme while creating other aspects at the same time. The present research is thus based on all these important issues based on archaeological evidence and literary sources.Item The Symbolism of the ‘Elephant’ in Asokan Art(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Pol, N.A symbol is an artistic device or a sign used to a convey information visually, through forms and shapes, thus eliminating the barriers of language. Symbolism is also a device or a language used to convey information visually, through forms and shapes, thus eliminating the barriers of language. The main difference in symbol and symbolism is that symbols are generally universal whereas only those who follow or understand that tenet of religion can comprehend the symbolism used in those structural edifices. Thus though elephant has been used as a decorative element in early art, the symbolism of the elephant is unique and is understood only with reference to the life and teachings of the Buddha. 3rd BCE Asokan art or the Mauryan court art is the archaeological evidence of the earliest Buddhist art of India. Nowhere else are there engravings of the four animals, Lion, Bull, Horse and Elephant except on the pillar capitals of the Asokan pillars where the symbolic representation of the four important events of the life of the Buddha and the Buddha himself are represented. The places where these pillars are placed and the messages they convey are clear evidence of symbolism. This paper will take into consideration the pillar capital of the Sankisa popularly called the ‘Elephant capital’, the ‘Elephant in motion’ from the Sarnath pillar capital, the ‘gajotama’ engraved on the major rock inscription of the Kalsi and the ‘Emerging Elephant’ seen at the Dhauli major rock inscription to understand the symbolism used by the emperor Asoka. The ‘elephant motif’ in the Mauryan coins will also be discussed to understand the symbolism. The paper discusses why the elephant has been used in these pillar and rock inscriptions by the emperor. What is the symbolic meaning of the elephant with reference to the teachings of the Buddha and what is the message conveyed through this art? How has the Mauryan art influenced the Buddhist art of India and abroad. Is there a necessity to know the life and teachings of Buddha to understand the Asokan Art?Item Ancient Religious and Astronomical Symbols – A Reappraisal(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Srivastav, O.P.Symbols have the pivotal role in any society or any culture of mankind. You cannot think of a society without any symbols. Symbols are used to relate a tangible object with an intangible concept. Symbols give meaning to objects, so members can identify each other. As far as the importance of symbols is concerned, humans would essentially be even less organized in groups without the sets of symbols that are associated with each culture. Another significant characteristic of symbols is its concurrence with religion. Religion itself is based on a belief in the supernatural power or God. However, symbolism started playing a significant role in trying to explain the different aspects of their respective religions. Every religion has its own body of symbols which suggests the ultimate reality, the deity and other spiritual truths. There are religious symbols, like ‘swastika, AUM, Cross or the crescent moon to name a few. Buddhism is very symbolic. The whole world knows eight auspicious symbols. A variety of Hindu symbols are used in art, sacred objects and ritual. They usually signify Hindu concepts, the attributes of deities, or the gods or goddesses themselves. No religion is so replete with symbols as this ancient religion and all Hindus are touched by this all-pervasive symbolism all through the life in some way or the other.