Discussion. Identify similarities and differences between these two artworks from India

M3: Discussion. Identify similarities and differences between these two artworks from India. A.Shiva as Lord of Dance (Chola Dynasty 11C. ) B. Buddha (Gupta period) *see attached photo This is a Discussion Post Assignment, After Answering the question yourself, respond to your peers response on your take. Peers Response “The statues The Seated Buddha Preaching the First Sermon and Shiva as Nataraja, Lord of the Dance have both similarities and differences, yet both are very significant in meaning. Each statue is filled with symbolism to represent important concepts to the religion they belong to. Although one represents Buddhism and the other Hinduism, some similarities remain. Both statues are giving hand gestures referred to as a mudra, which is a symbolic gesture conveying a teaching. While Shiva’s lower right hand gives the mudra of blessing, the Buddha uses both hands to give the dharmachakra mudra. “This is the hand gesture for teaching in which the Buddha sets the Wheel (chakra) of the Law (dharma) in motion and counts the principles of his Eightfold Path of Righteousness on his fingers.” (O’Riley, Michael) Although they both give a mudra hand gesture, they are very different in meaning. Both statues are surrounded by a circle, but each has a very different meaning. The circle around Shiva is a ring of fire, meant to symbolize him dancing to the heartbeat of the cosmos. Meanwhile, the nimbus (orb) around the Buddha’s head is meant to represent Buddha’s universal spirit. Each statue represents the spirit of who it represents, yet their characters are very different. The Buddha is represented for the type of person he was. Very much about balance, represented in a peaceful, meditiative manner. Shiva is represented in a very lively way, surrounded in fire, dancing and passionate. He represents protection of the faithful, as well as destruction. These two gods are polar opposites, in a sense. Although they are both rich in symbolism, some of which have similarities, the craftsmanship of the statues are very different. The Buddha statue itself is made from sandstone, while Shiva is made of Bronze. The texture, color, and style of each sculpture is very different. The shiva statue is 32 inches tall, while the Seated Buddha reaches 5’3” -Denise Tedford