Sculpted in bronze and covered with remnants of gilding, this radiant Buddha is not only an object of veneration, but also an exquisite work of art. The face of the Buddha is both tranquil and thoughtful, as benefiting its divine status. Buddhism, which began in India, was the first organized religion of china and later spread to other parts of the Asia. The fundamental doctrine of Buddhism is that life revolves around suffering. To avoid suffering in the end is to escape from life. It is believed that suffering is derived from desire, so one must rid themselves of desire for the material, which would only bring unhappiness. Evil deeds are returned on those who do them and virtue is rewarded. These rules are followed in life and in between lives as one is reincarnated after death to a higher or lower form of existence according to the virtues or vices of the last life.