BUDDHIST FRAGMENTS IN MEKONG DELTA DURING THE FIRST TEN CENTURIES AD THROUGH ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS

Abstract

Archaeological evidence showed that Buddhism has appeared in the Mekong delta before the 5th century AD. Buddhist sculptures I-VI centuries showed many elements imported externally, with many artifacts reflect the Gandhara and Mathura styles or Northern Wei styles. Besides, certain wooden statues that were crafted in Dong Thap Muoi with slender physical outlines influenced by styles employed in Sarnath Buddhist sculptures. In the 7th and 9th centuries, a corpus of Chenla and pre-Khmer inscriptions, coupled with recent archaeological research, offers important insights on Buddhists on the Mekong delta. The Buddhas’ and Bodhisattvas’ icons belong to Vajrayana, such as Amitabha, Avalokitesvara, Vidyadhara was worshiped. The sculptures of this period also clearly show indigenous styles influenced by Southeast Asian countries, such as the group of Bodhisattvas and standing Buddhas bearing the influence of Mon-Dvaravati, or the statue of Buddha sitting in the half-full lotus position and Enthroned Buddha has Javanese influence.