As part of my graduation project, I conducted field visits to four major religious sites: Baiyun Temple in Beijing (during the first half of last year), the Blue Mosque in Istanbul (during the Christmas holiday, accompanied by Chang Xu), Fo Guang Shan Temple in London (last semester), and Canterbury Cathedral (last Saturday, accompanied by Heng Lei). Through these field visits, I explored the philosophies of reincarnation, life, death, and the soul’s journey, as interpreted by different religions. Additionally, I conducted in-depth online research on other religions, such as the Shiva Temple in Hinduism and the Synagogue in Judaism. These experiences not only broadened my understanding of diverse religious perspectives but also provided profound inspiration for my artistic creations.
Taoism: Baiyun Temple, Beijing (Field Visit, First Half of Last Year)
In Taoism, death is not seen as the end of life but as a transformative process where the soul transitions into a new state. The destiny of the soul depends on one’s virtues and spiritual cultivation during life. By practicing “internal alchemy” and performing good deeds, the soul can transcend the cycle of birth and death, ultimately achieving a state of “immortality” and becoming an enlightened being. Taoism emphasizes the harmony between humanity and nature, viewing life and death as natural parts of the universal order. Symbols such as talismans, the Eight Trigrams (Bagua), and the Taiji diagram represent the purification and balance of the soul within the cosmic cycle.
Personal Experience
During the first half of last year, I visited Baiyun Temple in Beijing, marking my first close encounter with Taoist culture. The temple’s architecture is based on the Eight Trigrams, symbolizing the balance of Yin and Yang and the harmony of the universe. Inside the Tianshi Hall, I observed statues of Taoist patriarchs and various talismans, which conveyed the importance of spiritual purification and protection for the soul. The serene atmosphere of Baiyun Temple prompted me to reflect on the relationship between life and death, and whether the soul can truly find its place within the natural cycle. This visit inspired me to incorporate themes of continuity and harmony into my artistic exploration of life and the soul.
Islam: The Blue Mosque, Istanbul (Field Visit, Christmas Holiday with Chang Xu)
On Reincarnation and the Soul
Islam does not accept the concept of reincarnation. Instead, it teaches that the soul enters Barzakh, an intermediate state, after death, where it awaits the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah). On this day, the soul is judged based on its deeds and faith and is sent to either Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam). Paradise represents eternal peace and happiness, while Hell signifies eternal punishment for sins. Islam places great emphasis on individual actions and faith, as they determine the soul’s ultimate destiny.
Personal Experience
During the Christmas holiday, I visited the Blue Mosque in Istanbul with Chang Xu. Known for its magnificent blue tiles and grand domes, the mosque’s symmetrical geometric patterns in the prayer hall left a deep impression on me. These patterns symbolize the harmony of the universe and the justice of Allah. Observing the devout prayers of worshippers, I felt the profound connection between faith and the soul’s ultimate destination. This visit inspired me to explore geometric and symmetrical designs in my artwork to represent the soul’s journey and the order of the universe.
Christianity: Canterbury Cathedral (Field Visit, Last Saturday with Heng Lei)
Christianity rejects the concept of reincarnation, teaching instead that the soul faces a single judgment after death. Based on its faith and deeds, the soul is sent to either Heaven or Hell. Heaven represents eternal happiness and union with God, while Hell symbolizes eternal punishment for sins. Christianity emphasizes salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, highlighting the soul’s eternal destiny as a result of divine judgment.
Personal Experience
Last Saturday, I visited Canterbury Cathedral with Heng Lei. This Gothic masterpiece is renowned for its grandeur and its stained glass windows, which vividly depict biblical stories, including striking contrasts between Heaven and Hell. The serenity of Heaven and the torment of Hell created a powerful visual impact, underscoring Christianity’s teachings on the soul’s judgment and eternal destiny. This visit prompted me to reflect on the concept of salvation and inspired me to use contrasting visual elements in my artwork to explore themes of judgment and redemption.
Buddhism: Fo Guang Shan Temple, London (Field Visit, Last Semester)
The core of Buddhist philosophy revolves around Samsara (the cycle of rebirth) and Nirvana (liberation). Buddhism teaches that all beings are trapped in Samsara due to Karma, the law of cause and effect. Depending on their actions, souls cycle through six realms of existence: the heavenly realm, human realm, Asura realm, animal realm, hungry ghost realm, and hell realm. Liberation from this suffering cycle is achieved through wisdom, compassion, and the accumulation of good deeds, leading to Nirvana—a state of ultimate freedom from suffering and rebirth.
Personal Experience
Last semester, I visited the Fo Guang Shan Temple in London, a significant center for Buddhist culture in the West. Inside the temple, I observed a painting of the Six Realms, which vividly depicted the consequences of karma in each realm. Through conversations with the temple staff, I gained a deeper understanding of how Buddhist teachings emphasize wisdom and compassion as paths to Nirvana. During a meditation session, I experienced the peacefulness that Buddhism seeks to cultivate. This visit inspired me to incorporate symbolic representations of Samsara and Nirvana into my art, exploring the soul’s cycle and its liberation.
Hinduism: Shiva Temple (Online Research)
Hinduism centers on the relationship between the soul (Atman) and the universal essence (Brahman). The soul is bound by Samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, driven by Karma. Every action generates Karma, influencing the soul’s fate in subsequent lives. The ultimate goal is Moksha, liberation from Samsara, achieved by realizing the unity of Atman and Brahman. Shiva, as the god of destruction and regeneration, symbolizes the breaking of this cycle and the soul’s elevation.
Art and Symbolism of Shiva Temple
The Shiva Temple’s architecture often incorporates Mandala designs, representing cosmic order. Statues of Shiva performing the “Cosmic Dance” (Nataraja) illustrate the dynamic balance of creation and destruction. His foot crushing the demon of ignorance signifies the soul’s liberation from Karma, while the surrounding ring of fire represents the eternal cycle of time and energy. The temple also features intricate carvings of Shiva’s interactions with other deities, such as Parvati (symbolizing fertility and creation) and Ganesha (symbolizing wisdom and the removal of obstacles), which reflect the interconnectedness of cosmic forces.
Personal Reflection
Through my research, I came to appreciate the Hindu understanding of destruction as a precursor to renewal. Shiva’s imagery inspired me to explore the cyclical nature of life and death in my art, using fire and movement as metaphors for transformation and liberation.
Judaism: Synagogue (Online Research)
Judaism: Synagogue (Online Research)
While mainstream Judaism does not emphasize reincarnation, Kabbalah introduces the concept of Gilgul, the transmigration of souls. According to Kabbalah, a soul may reincarnate multiple times to fulfill unaccomplished missions or correct past mistakes. This journey reflects the soul’s spiritual evolution and its ultimate goal of unity with God. Another essential concept in Kabbalah is Tikkun Olam, or “repairing the world,” which highlights the soul’s responsibility to contribute to universal harmony and balance.
The Tree of Life and the Soul’s Journey
The Tree of Life (Etz Chaim) is a central symbol in Kabbalah, representing the soul’s journey through ten Sefirot (attributes of God). Each Sefirah corresponds to a stage in spiritual development, from the material world to divine enlightenment. The pathways connecting the Sefirot symbolize the challenges and progressions of the soul’s journey toward perfection.
Personal Reflection
My research into Judaism and Kabbalah revealed a profound connection between individual soul journeys and universal harmony. The Tree of Life inspired me to explore layered and interconnected designs in my artwork, representing the soul’s growth and its relationship with the cosmos. This exploration has reinforced my understanding of the soul’s role in contributing to a greater cosmic balance.
