ABSTRACT
Buddhist art embodies the Buddhist teaching (Dharma) and is, in essence, an expression of the Three Jewels: the Buddha, the Dharma and the Saṃgha. Buddhist art can range from a single brushstroke to monumental structures. Many variants have been produced over the centuries in most of the regions of Asia as Buddhism spread from its origins in India. Even from the lifetime of Śākyamuni Buddha there are some archaeological remains, such as the foundations of the Jīvakārāma at the foot of Mt. Gṛdhrakūṭa near Rājgir in Central India where Śākyamuni spent several rain retreats during the period of his teaching.
