Buddhist Art in Its Relation to Buddhist Ideals

It is almost needless to say that art and religion are two of the most potent factors of human life. Art stimulates fancy by visualizing and perpetuating beauty; it also tranquillizes the mind of man by inducing it to contemplate what underlies the loveliness of forms and colors. Religion gives man new life; it is an inspiration to the vigorous and a consolation to the weak; it incites man to activity, even to the risk of death, but it also pacifies him and transforms the wolf into a lamb. These two factors have almost always been associated throughout the history of mankind. Religious faith has invariably found expression in art, which, in turn, has derived the inspiration of its highest achievement from religion. Is this association of art and religion a chance, a passing phenomenon, or is there any necessary connection inherent in the nature of both.I^ Gn this point it is not my purpose to theorize; I shall try, rather, to illustrate the inner relationship of Buddhist art and religion by tracing to their source the ideals and beliefs of Buddhism.