Absence of the Buddha Image in Early Buddhist Art: Toward its Significance in Comparative Religion

Chapter I. Introduction: Defines the absence of the Buddha image as a visible fact and critiques the assumption that early Buddhist art is incomplete without Buddha images. Chapter II. Visible Facts: Studies stūpa art, vedikā design, stūpa motifs, narrative composition, Buddhist monuments, devotees, symbolic motifs, and parallels with early Christian art. Chapter III. Possible Interpretations: Interprets the absence of the Buddha image from religious, artistic, dramatic, and political perspectives, with reference to Buddhist texts and ritual contexts. Chapter IV. The Concept of the Empty Throne: Analyzes the empty throne in Buddhism and compares it with Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism. Chapter V. Conclusion: Summarizes the religious and comparative significance of the absence of the Buddha image. Visual Materials: Includes lists and guides to tables, figures, illustrations, and plates.