Buddha Shakyamuni – The Historical Buddha
  See it in the Museum
Chapel
Orientation 2
Display 1

ABS 339

 Code: ABS 339

  Country: Tibet

  Style:

  Date: 1200 - 1400

  Dimensions in cm WxHxD: 10.7 x 13.5 x 7.8

  Materials: Gilt copper

Buddha Shakyamuni 

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni is seated in the diamond attitude (vajraparyankasana) on a double lotus pedestal decorated with a beaded border.  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).