Image: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Image means something in Buddhism, Pali, Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

Images (photo gallery)

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (shilpa)

Images of different deities in different forms were worshipped from early period in India.—In Hinduism, the tradition of worshipping of idols has been continuing from early period in India. History shows that from the date of antiquity people used to connect themselves with their lords through the medium of the images of different deities in different forms. Thus the practice of image making had come forward. Different treatises of Sanskrit literature deal with the topic of image making.

Shilpashastra book cover
context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Discover the meaning of image in the context of Shilpashastra from relevant books on Exotic India

In Buddhism

Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism)

Source: Google Books: The Crystal Mirror of Philosophical Systems

Images (symbolizing the Buddha’s mind) refers to one of the “Three Supports” which are known in Tibetan as rten gsum.—Accordingly, [while describing the history of philosophical systems in Mongolia], [regarding Godan and Kublai’s era]: Later on, during the reign of King Mongké (1209–59), Karma Pakshi and others arrived. [...] The king, having obtained from India many examples of the three supports [e.g., Images (symbolizing the Buddha’s mind)], such as Buddha relics and so forth, had temples built, established monasteries, and so spread the teaching.

Tibetan Buddhism book cover
context information

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha’s words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayāna) are collected indepently.

Discover the meaning of image in the context of Tibetan Buddhism from relevant books on Exotic India

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