Who is depicted here?
This is an image of the historical Buddha. We can tell it is the Buddha because of the many distinguishing marks (lakshana) visible in the sculpture. He has a cranial bump on his head (ushnisha), a tuft of hair between his eyes (urna), and the sign of the wheel (chakra)
on his hands and soles of his feet. This wheel signifies the teaching
of the Buddha, as well as his righteousness as a leader. He is dressed
in a monk’s robe, typically with one shoulder bare. He is seated on a
lion throne. Above his head are branches of the bodhi tree, a reference
to Bodh Gaya where the Buddha sat under the bodhi tree and achieved
enlightenment.
What was the Buddha's enlightenment?
The
Buddha sought answers to the problems of suffering and the continual
cycle of birth, death and rebirth which he witnessed all around him. He
rejected the path of complete self-denial (asceticism), and also
rejected the comforts and indulgences of his former life as a prince. He
resolved to sit under the bodhi tree and meditate on these issues until
the answer to these problems became clear. His revelation has been
called the Four Noble Truths, a summation of the cause of human
suffering, and the possibility and pathway to enlightenment for all
beings.
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The Buddha triumphing over Mara, 900–1000. India; probably Kurkihar, Bihar state. Stone. Courtesy of the Asian Art Museum, The Avery Brundage Collection, B60S598. |
Who tempted the Buddha?
In
the course of his meditations, the Buddha was tempted by the demon
Mara. Mara sent his armies, various temptations, and finally (as
depicted here) a challenge that the Buddha must defend his claim of
enlightenment. The Buddha touched the earth, and called the earth to
witness his achievement. This “touching the earth” is seen as a
significant gesture (mudra) in this sculpture. This iconography of the
Buddha became very popular throughout Asia.
Mara
can also be understood not only as a figure in a story, but also as a
representation of inner temptations—mainly one’s ego—that obstruct the
path to enlightenment. Therefore, overcoming Mara is equivalent to
overcoming the self.
When was this made and how was this used?
Based
on an analysis of the style, medium and subject, this sculpture is
dated to around the 800s C.E. and comes from eastern India. At that
time, Pala dynasty rulers were generous supporters of the Buddhist
religion, and many famous monasteries and universities existed in what
is now the state of Bihar.
Unfortunately,
most of these buildings are now in ruins, as Buddhism succumbed to
Muslim incursions and seriously declined around the 1100s C.E. This
sculpture was probably placed in a niche in a temple made of brick. We
believe from the inscription on the base that the tiny figure on the
lower right represents the donor. Typical of the Pala style is the
tendency for the central figure to stand out against a very decorative
background. The dark schist gives the statue a dramatic, crisp
appearance.
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