Worksheet 1D

Do You See What I See?

Project Instructions

Directions:

1) Your assigned Buddhist art form is the stupa.

2) Visit the websites from the resource list below to find examples and
descriptions of Buddhist stupa. Start with the websites that give general
information on symbolism in Buddhist art, then find examples of the art
form.
3) Based on your observations and reading, answer the questions on
Worksheet 2D.
4) Prepare a PowerPoint presentation containing the following components:

3 or more images of the examples of the art form including text explanations
about the art form and the symbolism used. Use your research sheet as a guide
for which facts you would select.

5) Present your slide show to the class.

6) Small group discussion: observations about Buddhist art and use of
symbolism.
 Worksheet 2D

Do You See What I See?

Research Sheet

Part 1:
Answer the following questions:

1. What is a stupa?
2. What are the components of a stupa and what does each
represent?
3. What are the Eight Auspicious Symbols?
4. What do colors on a stupa (if color is used) represent?
5. How are stupas used?
6. What do the first four steps represent?

Part 2: Translating the Images

Once you have a basic guide of the symbols, you will need to find three
or more images of stupas.

For each image, answer the following questions:

1) Where (and when) did this stupa originate?

2) What materials are used in the construction of the stupa?
3) Using the symbols you found in Part 1, what story does this
stupa tell the viewer?

Part 3: Power Point

Since you will show the class what you have found about symbolism in
Buddhist art, you will need to create a slide show of images and
explanations.

Your presentation should have at least 3 images of stupa as well as

slides to explain the symbolism of each. Consider using Autoshape
arrows and textboxes to insert commentary about the different
features of the Buddhist stupas.
 Worksheet 3D

Do You See What I See?

Buddhist Stupas Hotlist

Use the following websites as the basis of your research.

Symbolism in Buddhist Art

Buddha Net
This website provides background on several different aspects of
Buddhist art, including mudras (hand gestures) the wheel of dharma,
and the lotus flower.

 Symbols in Buddhist Art

This graduate student created website provides visuals to highlight
the eight auspicious symbols, the lotus flower, and hand gestures. A
quick ready to use reference.

 Images of Buddha
This website contains images of Buddha as well as explanations of
Buddhist sculpture. You can find the definition of Lakshana here.

 Antique Zen
This commercial website provides historical information about
Buddhist art as well as a glossary of Buddhas.

 About.com
This website provides a glossary of Buddhist art related terms and
brief explanations of the symbolisms

Buddhist Stupas
Symbolic Meaning of Stupas
This website will give you a concise breakdown of many symbolic
features found in stupas.

Buddhist Art and Architecture: Symbolism of the Stupa

This website includes images and explanations of the symbolism of stupas.
Shambhala Mountain
This website features information about the construction of a stupa in Colorado.
Provides an overview of symbolism in stupas.