Over the centuries, two main branches of Buddhism emerged: Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Read a description of each of these forms of Buddhism.

There is significant debate concerning the development of the Buddha image-where it first occurred, why, and when. This article traces the history of the Buddha image through two centers of artistic production: Gandhara and Mathura.

This is an image of the historical Buddha. View a picture of this statue and read the history in this essay.

Buddha images vary greatly from place to place and period to period. This article identifies common features that most Buddha images share.

See the collection of ancient and classical art from both eastern and western traditions, housed in the Miho Museum Museum of Japan, which was designed by I.M. Pei and features an integrated Japanese garden.

Prayer wheels are an example of Buddhist technology. This technology allowed the faithful to multiply the number of prayers they expressed by millions. This is because prayer wheels are filled with copies of mantras (sacred spells...

Buddhism became the official religion of one of Korea's early kingdoms in 372, after a priest arrived from China with Buddhist images and scriptures. From the time of its introduction it had the enthusiastic support of the rulers and the...

Can a mound of dirt represent the Buddha, the path to Enlightenment, a mountain and the universe all at the same time? It can if it is a stupa. The stupa ("stupa" is Sanskrit for heap) is an important form of Buddhist architecture. View...

This fierce-looking king is a symbolic protector of the Buddha's sacred law and also a fighter of evil spirits. His right foot is raised to stamp upon the head of a demon (now missing). His armor consists of tunic, trousers, chest and...

Buddhism was officially transmitted to Japan in 525, when the monarch of the Korean kingdom of Baekje sent a mission to Japan with gifts, including an image of the Buddha, several ritual objects, and sacred texts. Buddhism's journey from...

When was the Buddha, or Enlightened One, born, and when? The recent discovery of the oldest known Buddist shrine tells archaelogists more than we've ever know.

A comprehensive history of the development of Buddhism in India that also addresses its spread into China via the Silk Road, reaching its height during the Sui Dynasty.

Religion pervades many aspects of Hindu life and assumes many forms. Read about Hindu practices in this short essay and view a piece of artwork depicting a woman worshipping at an outdoor shrine.

This stone stele depicts the Hindu god Vishnu - the god of Preservation. View a picture and read descriptive details in this essay.

View an image of a sculpture portraying the goddess Durga and read her story in this essay.

The goddess portrayed in this sculpture is the female version of Brahma. View a picture and read a short description in this essay.

A site in response to the September 11 tragedies. Twenty Buddhist monks constructed a madala at the Sackler gallery.

A multipage, well illustrated, site on Korean Buddhism. Covers history, practice, and art.

Information on Bodh Gaya, the place of the Buddha's enlightenment.

An article about Avalokitesvara discussing his place in the Buddhist pantheon. Includes art depicting Avalokitesvara.

An commercial online gallery of Buddha images. The photos are good but no commentary is provided, only the names and locations.

The site gives a brief history of traditional karate. It explains how a Buddhist monk brought his religious views to China and with that, the start of what was know as "Karate" began to strengthen their bodies.

How do we recognize this figure as Shakyamuni Buddha? This is the traditional representation of the Shakyamuni Buddha or the historical Buddha. The statue shows the moment of his enlightenment at a place called Bodh Gaya in India, which...

The Shosoin Repository survived both war and fire, leaving virtually all the ancient cultural treasures intact. The thousands of items preserved in the Shosoin repository include manuscripts, musical instruments, textiles, shoes,...