Design and Buddhist Discipline

The great Stupa of Sanchi is one of the most fascinating dedications and symbols of respect paid to the Buddha in relation to the discipline of Buddhism. A stupa is a mound that commemorated the remains of important figures in early Asia, but would later become primarily associated with buddhism. The design elements of the Great Stupa of Sanchi are very intricate and well thought, but also portray the discipline of the teaching and following that was shared by buddhists in 3rd century B.C. Though alone, the creation of any reference to Buddha in a positive manner was considered auspicious, the stupa had guidelines to ensure the communication of buddhism to those who ventured to Sanchi in hopes of gaining insights of what buddhism stood for.

A component to take into account when looking at the stupa of sanchi is the pathway created around the mound. This pathway served the function of circumambulation, or meditative tool for buddhists. Walking clockwise was a way in which a buddhist could reach enlightenment, but also a way to pay their respects to the buddha, whose remains were thought to be buried within the mound which had no interior space.

Another thing to note are the four torans or gateways into the mound, each intricatly carved to depict the important milestones of the buddha as well as mark the four cardinal directions to show the relationship of heaven and earth where each ensure the vitality of one another. The torans were later added, but they were an important means of depicting the life of Buddha. They each show important events in the Buddha's life, and make use of symbols of Buddha without actually depicting Buddha in his physical form.

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