Constructing the Buddha’s Life in Early Buddhist Monastic Arrangements at Nagarjunakonda

Abstract

This study investigates the rationale behind the combination of Buddha mahāstūpas (mahācetiyas) and cetiyas (caityas) within a Buddhist monastery. In integrating a broader intellectual program, the universality of the concept is exemplified, wherein “mahācetiya and cetiya” are combined to symbolize the life of Buddha through architectural arrangements. Adopting a broader intellectual program grounded in the causality principle signifies an inclination toward universality. These combinations represent sacred places and events in Buddha’s life, from birth to Mahaparinirvana. They encompass significant moments, such as great departures, meditation, enlightenment, and preaching. The synthesis of mahācetiyas and apsidal shrines was a pivotal moment at the site, guided by the Mahāsaṅghika School, representing an innovative invention in the pursuit of narrative framing of Buddha’s biography.

From Stupa to Pagoda: Re-Examining the Sinification and Transformation of Buddhist Monuments from Indian Origins

“…This indicated a change in the concept of Buddha in Mahāsaghika schools. By themselves, Nāgārjunakoṇ ḍ a monuments such as mahācetiyas and cetiyas indicate the incarnations of the living Buddha-cottages in which he lived during his lifetime, relics after his death, and shrines for worship (Kim 2024).…”

“…For instance, when Ling Taihou 靈太后, an empress and mother of Xiaomingdi (孝明帝, r. 515~528), the eighth ruler of Northern Wei, constructed the Buddhist temple, the Buddha Hall (main hall) was placed in the north side (rear side) of the Buddha pagoda" (Huang 2007); it is conceived that the Hall was decorated and furnished as a mechanism for attracting immortals. In contrast, the pagoda provided a view of the main hall and stood at the peak of Mount Sumeru of Buddha and his dwellings in Buddha's biography (Kim 2024). The hall and pagoda became one of the sacred locales presented by King Asoka and resembled dwellings (caitya/cetiya) where Buddha had once stayed and tumulus (stūpas) in which his saris were enshrined after his death.…”