Buddha Shakyamuni – The Historical Buddha
See it in the Museum
India and Nepal
Orientation 3
Display 5
ABS 263
Code: ABS 263
Country: Nepal (west)
Style: Khasha Malla
Date: 1300 - 1400
Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 18 x 22 x 11.5
Materials: Unknown
Buddha Shakyamuni
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana) on a doublelotus throne He rests his left hand in his lap and extends the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara.
The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds. This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).
The Buddha is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana) on a doublelotus throne He rests his left hand in his lap and extends the right hand in the gesture of touching the earth (bhumisparsha-mudra). With this gesture, the historical Buddha Shakyamuni “takes the earth as a witness” of his victory over his inner demons of doubt, the mara.
The upper monastic garment (uttarasanga) covers only the left shoulder and is draped without folds. This depiction of the historical Buddha reminds us also of the place of his awakening (enlightenment). Bodhgaya in northern India subsequently became the destination of Buddhist pilgrimages to the "eight holy places" (astamahasthana).