Floral Symbolism and Buddhist Philosophy: Analyzing the Integration of Buddhist Thought in Tang Dynasty Chinese Plant Motifs

Abstract

This research examines the integration of Buddhist philosophy through floral symbolism in Tang Dynasty Buddhist art (618-907 CE), focusing on key plant motifs such as the lotus (莲花), peony (牡丹), chrysanthemum (菊花), and bamboo (竹). These plants served as potent metaphors for core Buddhist teachings, including impermanence (无常), enlightenment (觉悟), spiritual purity, and the cycle of life (轮回). The study explores how these motifs were used across various artistic forms, including murals, sculptures, and textiles, and investigates their role in communicating Buddhist philosophy to both the educated elite and lay practitioners. By analyzing specific examples from famous Buddhist sites such as Dunhuang and the Yungang Grottoes, the research reveals how plant imagery was embedded within Buddhist iconography to express profound spiritual and philosophical concepts. The Tang Dynasty is recognized as a period of flourishing Buddhist culture, where the patronage of the imperial court and religious institutions played a crucial role in the creation and dissemination of Buddhist art. This paper also highlights the role of art as both a visual language and a pedagogical tool for spreading Buddhist teachings throughout Chinese society. Ultimately, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the intersection between Buddhist philosophy, Chinese cultural traditions, and visual art, offering insights into the symbolic role of plants in the transmission of Buddhist thought.