Art Activity

Puzzle Pieces – A Chinese Buddhist Pure Land

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“It’s always the small pieces that make the big picture.”

Complete this puzzle to reveal a temple wall from China.

These double-sided paintings are two portions of a central wall from a Buddhist temple depicting a Buddhist Pure Land. Pure Land Buddhism is a sect of Buddhism focusing on devotion to being reborn in a pure land paradise. Individuals pray to be reborn in a Pure Land not only because rebirth there guarantees escape from additional cycles of rebirth, but also because it is a delightful waiting area for the eventual attainment of nirvana.

Pure Lands are often described as paradise with trees dripping with jewels and the musical sound of birds chirping all around.

QUESTIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT

  • Do you see gold in these two panels?
  • What type of buildings would you expect to see in paradise?
  • Where do you go to get peace and quiet?