Learn about the features and iconography (symbols) that commonly identify a bodhisattva, a figure in Buddhism, in art
tools-religion
How to identify the Christian figures of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John by their iconography, or symbols, in art
How to recognize the Four Evangelists
Who was the Buddha and how have artists depicted him as a visually recognizable figure in sculpture?
How to recognize the Buddha
A brief primer on bodhisattvas
Bodhisattvas, an introduction
Bodh Gaya is the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment—over millennia it has been reconstructed and reimagined.
Bodh Gaya: The Site of the Buddha’s ...
There are many kinds of Buddhist meditations; here Dr Sarah Shaw describes the ‘middle way’ of the Buddha and explores key aspects of Buddhist meditation and chant, such as the use of Buddha-images and visualization.
Buddhist meditation and chant
The religion that originated in India took on so many different forms that it is often difficult to see how the various sects of Buddhism are related.
Introduction to Buddhism
Professor Julius Lipner explains that Hinduism cannot be considered polytheistic and discusses the way in which Hindu culture and sacred texts conceptualize the deities, as well as their role in devotional faith
Hindu deities
This video demystifies the complex kaleidoscopic geometry central to Islamic art. Grab a compass and ruler!
The complex geometry of Islamic design
Watch and listen as several British Muslims recount their journeys to Mecca.
Stories of the modern pilgrimage
Hajj is the most well-known pilgrimage in Islam. Here Dr Sophia Arjana discusses its role in the religion, whilst also looking at Shi‘a and regional pilgrimages, sainthood and sacred space in Islam.
Islamic pilgrimages and sacred spaces
The stories behind the art—a quick guide for understanding Byzantium's most common images.
The lives of Christ and the Virgin ...
Dr. Mustafa Shah describes the historical context of the Qur’an—its revelation, its transmission and codification and its shared spiritual heritage with the other Abrahamic faiths.
The Qur’an
Professor Julius Lipner discusses the distinctive nature of Hinduism and its sacred texts, drawing on the Vedas and epic compositions.
Sacred texts in Hinduism
A Buddha is seen as one who becomes awakened to the true nature of reality.
The Buddha and Buddhist sacred texts
Why does St. John the Baptist carry a lamb? Catherine a wheel? Mary Magdalene a jar?
Who’s who? How to recognize saints…
The Christian Bible has had a long and complex genesis.
The Christian Bible
Neither words nor images fully capture the Christian God. Despite this inherent difficulty, painters still tried.
The problem with Christ
A mound of dirt or the body of the Buddha? These sacred sites give practitioners insight into the Four Noble Truths.
The stupa
Empty, blank, or unfinished spaces leave paintings open to the viewer and create compelling ambiguities.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
