AOW #19

http://simplephilosophy.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/gautama-buddha.jpg

The painting shows Siddhartha Gautama, or the Buddha, sitting beneath a tree meditating.  Around him are demons and promiscuous women trying to influence him.  They attempt to penetrate his happy existence.  However he remains sitting peacefuly, undisturbed and unconcerned. 

The context includes prior knowledge of the Buddhist philosophy and Siddhartha's story.  The story is that he was formerly a young Indian prince, who lived in a palace unaware of the tragedies that occurred around him.  However, one day, he traveled beyond his kingdom's gates and saw a sick man and a dead man.  He saw the poverty that plagued his people and the pain that stained their lives.  He was forever moved and from then on sought to discover the source of suffering.  He sat under a tree for twenty years and finally came to a grand understanding.  He learned the secret of life and reached Enlightenment.

Rhetorical elements in the painting include symbolism and the juxtaposition of the light and dark.  There is a clear focus of golden light coming from the center of the piece, particularly Siddhartha.  This is symbolic for his Enlightened state.  The golden orb around Siddhartha acts as a shield warding off everything that is sad and unhealthy in the world.  In having discovering the intricacies of life, Siddhartha can avoid suffering and pain.

The purpose of the author can be many things.  One purpose can be simply to pay his respects to a interesting philosophy.  Another purpose can be to spread the influence of Buddhism.  After all, it is not especially a religion.  Rather, it is a practical pursuit, a way to achieve transcendence and contentment.