Hindu Mythology Basics

Study Notes

Puranas: ancient Hindu texts that contain stories, legends, and myths about the gods, goddesses, and heroes of Hinduism.
Trimurti: the three primary aspects of the Supreme Being in Hinduism - Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), and Shiva (the destroyer).
Avatars: the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, including Rama and Krishna, who are considered to be manifestations of the divine.
Devas and Asuras: the gods and demons of Hindu mythology, who are often depicted as having supernatural powers and engaging in epic battles.
Rakshasas and Nagas: supernatural beings with human-like and animal-like features, often depicted as having magical powers.

Symbolism: Buddhist art often features symbols such as the wheel of dharma (dharmachakra), the lotus flower, and the stupa, which represent key concepts and teachings of Buddhism.
Iconography: the depiction of Buddhist deities and figures, such as the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Avalokiteshvara, which are often characterized by specific mudras (hand gestures) and asanas (postures).
** Styles and Periods**: Buddhist art can be categorized into different styles and periods, including:
- Gandhara: a style characterized by Greek and Roman influences, prominent in the 1st-5th centuries CE.
- Mathura: a style characterized by indigenous Indian influences, prominent in the 1st-5th centuries CE.
- Amaravati: a style characterized by intricate carvings and sculptures, prominent in the 2nd-3rd centuries CE.
Mediums and Techniques: Buddhist art has been created using a range of mediums and techniques, including:
- Sculpture: stone, bronze, and wood carvings.
- Painting: tempera and fresco paintings on walls, ceilings, and cloth.
- Architecture: the design and construction of stupas, temples, and monasteries.

Puranas: a collection of ancient Hindu texts that narrate stories, legends, and myths about the gods, goddesses, and heroes of Hinduism, providing valuable insights into the Hindu worldview and the nature of the divine.
Trimurti: the three primary aspects of the Supreme Being in Hinduism, comprising Brahma, the creator, who brings forth the universe and all living beings; Vishnu, the preserver, who maintains order and balance; and Shiva, the destroyer, who dissolves and transforms.
Avatars: the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, who takes on various forms to restore cosmic balance and vanquish evil, including Rama, the hero of the Ramayana, and Krishna, the divine prince and spiritual guide.
Devas and Asuras: the gods and demons of Hindu mythology, who embody both good and evil qualities, and engage in epic battles, illustrating the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
Rakshasas and Nagas: supernatural beings with human-like and animal-like features, possessing magical powers and inhabiting the realms of the forest, mountains, and oceans.

Symbolism: the use of symbols in Buddhist art to convey key concepts and teachings, such as the wheel of dharma (dharmachakra), representing the Buddha's teachings, the lotus flower, symbolizing spiritual growth, and the stupa, embodying the Buddha's enlightenment.
Iconography: the depiction of Buddhist deities and figures, characterized by specific mudras (hand gestures) and asanas (postures), including the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion.
Gandhara Style: a style of Buddhist art characterized by Greek and Roman influences, prominent in the 1st-5th centuries CE, marked by realistic and naturalistic representations of the Buddha and other figures.
Mathura Style: a style of Buddhist art characterized by indigenous Indian influences, prominent in the 1st-5th centuries CE, marked by a more stylized and ornate representation of the Buddha and other figures.
Amaravati Style: a style of Buddhist art characterized by intricate carvings and sculptures, prominent in the 2nd-3rd centuries CE, marked by a high degree of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Mediums and Techniques: Buddhist art has been created using a range of mediums and techniques, including sculpture, painting, and architecture, to convey the teachings and stories of Buddhism.