Symbolism of the Stupa

Rating:
Summary: A hidden masterpiece!
Review: The title of this book is deceptively simple. It is not just about the symbolism of the stupa, but it encompasses much, much more. It is a detailed and scholarly description of Buddhist iconography and its Vedantic antecedents. As such it covers much of the cosmological and philosophical underpinnings of Brahmin and Buddhist myths, ritual, art and sculpture. I think it is compulsory reading for anyone intending to visit Buddhist places of pilgrimage, for it gives meaning not just to the structure of the stupa, but to most, if not all, the various symbols and art forms found in such places. Through this book one comes to appreciate, how dense the stupa and the various symbols associated with it are, in meaning and significance. Unfortunately the book as published by Motilal Banarsidass in the hardcover edition, has poor quality paper and the typeface is that used by the good old Remington mechanical typewriters of yesteryear. The excellence of the work will however keep any Buddhologist riveted! Even if your interests are not as deep as what this book caters for, it is still something you can dip in and out of, and still be richer for!

Rating:
Summary: A hidden masterpiece!
Review: The title of this book is deceptively simple. It is not just about the symbolism of the stupa, but it encompasses much, much more. It is a detailed and scholarly description of Buddhist iconography and its Vedantic antecedents. As such it covers much of the cosmological and philosophical underpinnings of Brahmin and Buddhist myths, ritual, art and sculpture. I think it is compulsory reading for anyone intending to visit Buddhist places of pilgrimage, for it gives meaning not just to the structure of the stupa, but to most, if not all, the various symbols and art forms found in such places. Through this book one comes to appreciate, how dense the stupa and the various symbols associated with it are, in meaning and significance. Unfortunately the book as published by Motilal Banarsidass in the hardcover edition, has poor quality paper and the typeface is that used by the good old Remington mechanical typewriters of yesteryear. The excellence of the work will however keep any Buddhologist riveted! Even if your interests are not as deep as what this book caters for, it is still something you can dip in and out of, and still be richer for!