Pillars of Ashoka.
The use of symbols, images, and pieces of art are prevalent in Buddhism. They are used for various reasons and ceremonies. Each symbol, image, or piece of art found in Buddhism has a unique meaning as well as purpose. For example, according to Rosen (191), Buddhism uses certain images during the worship of deities. These images are considered the physical representations of God, his divine associates, or even his incarnations. Rosen (191) states that these images allow easy access to God. Leidy (31) states that the use of images or symbols in Buddhism can be traced back to when Siddhartha’s disciples, under his instructions, were supposed to draw his image on a piece of cloth. They were then to use the image as the focus of their offerings. However, it is important to note that some images and symbols were made in order to help men have a deep sense of admiration and respect for the Buddha and acquire religious merit (Leidy, 31). According to Leidy (32), numerous sculptures in Buddhism were created because of the powerful Kushan Empire especially in Pakistan, northern India, and Afghanistan. However, on close inspection, on a religious and spiritual level, these images were created with the aim of stressing the importance of developing a personal relationship with a deity.
The pillars of Ashoka is a well-known object of art in Buddhism. Emperor Ashoka (undisclosed) erected the pillars in the third century. The symbol includes three lions, each facing a certain direction. Below the three lions, other symbols are on the pillar and go all around it. These symbols include an elephant, a wheel, a bull, and a horse. I chose this object to analyze because of its ‘majesty’. Being on top of a pillar, it is conspicuous hence it is bound to be noticed by everybody. As such, anyone who comes across it ought to know what it represents. After visualizing the object for 30 minutes, I was able to view the object differently compared to when I first glanced at it. The different animals and symbols engraved on the pillar started to have meaning and make sense. Each of the symbols fit perfectly and seemed to have a role to play in bringing out a certain message. Throughout this experience, I was relaxed. I cleared my mind completely to ensure total concentration.
Within the context of Buddhism, the pillars of Ashoka demonstrate power. The symbols that are engraved on the pillars all work together to pass the message of royalty, strength, and power that is found within Buddhism. First, the lions on the top of the pillar are a sign of royalty and power. The bull, horse, and elephant symbolize strength. I was able to determine this by relating the animals to the common characteristics that are associated with them. The lion is considered to be the king of the jungle. As such, the lions in this symbol allude to strong leadership. According to Leidy (11), the historical Buddha was known as the “lion of the Shakya clan”. On the other hand, the bull, horse, and elephant are known for their immense strength. As such, these symbols show that Buddhism is set to stand the test of time and survive all through history. Finally, there is the wheel. The wheel is known to represent continuity. As such, from a religious perspective, the wheel when used together with the bull, horse, and elephant signifies that Buddhism is here to stay and will only continue growing.
A good question to ask is whether the pillars of Ashoka and the different symbols engraved on the pillars reflected the goals or practices of Buddhism. Interestingly, the wheel reflected the goals of the religion. According to Leidy (10), the historical Buddha Shakyamuni is said to have sent missionaries to Sri Lanka, which was the southernmost part of the subcontinent. The missionaries were also sent to parts of Southeast Asia and the West to places such as Syria, Libya, and Macedonia. The purpose of this was to ensure the growth and continuity of the religion. This is synonymous with the symbol of the wheel that represents the same ideas: growth and continuity. It is interesting to note that Leidy (11) argues that the elephant, horse, and bull symbols may be directional images that show the extent of Ashoka’s kingdom as well as his desire to spread Buddhism to the entire world.
According to Khan Academy, the pillars were cut from two different types of stone. Laborers would cut and drag the stones from the Chunar and Mathura quarries in the northern part of the Ashoka Empire. The artist, or rather the person who ordered the pillars to be made, Emperor Ashoka, played a significant role in their creation. The main role of the creation of the pillars was to spread the religion of Buddhism. According to Leidy (11), Emperor Ashoka used the pillars to spread Buddhism since it would help legitimize his rule and unify his kingdom.