Susan Huntington

This chapter explores the relationships between Buddhist devotees and figurative images, particularly regarding images of Shakyamuni, which Buddhists conceive as enlivened beings possessed with agency. Building on recent studies of miraculous images and consecration practices, this chapter describes some of the ways in which devotees venerate images, the agency attributed to images, and the methods by which images are invested with their powers. Finally, the history of image veneration and enlivenment is addressed; the author asks whether these practices can be considered core features of Buddhism from its earliest days, or if they were later additions to the spectrum of reverent activities.

This article suggests a coherent iconographic program for the sculptures on the "Arjuna ratha" at Mamallapuram. In particular, an argument is made that the central figure riding on an elephant on the eastern facade is Aiyanar-Sasta, a son of Siva.

... The third of the three types of relics are the uddesaka, specifically, images (pratima) of the Buddha. ... PHOTO (BLACK & WHITE): Figure 9 The Sixteen Great Places of Pilgrimage in Sri-Lanka (far left stupa not shown in photo), design on a silver book cover from Kandy, Sri Lanka ...

This book explores the sculptural art of eastern India and Bangladesh during what has come to be known as the "Pala-Sena" period. The focus is to trace the chronological and regional developments of the art in order to provide a framework for further study of the iconography and religious aspects of the art. The chronology is pinned on the examination of works dated by inscription and the regional developments are studied according to a preponderance of features of works found in specific locations. Both Buddhist and Hindu art are considered in this work, as are both metal and stone sculptures.