Untitled

Unknown

late 10th–11th century · Black schist · Asian Art

This Buddha from the great monastic site of Nalanda is seen at the moment of enlightenment, with his right hand reaching down to touch the earth, bearing witness to his past refined and meritorious actions, including those in countless past lives that brought him to this point of ultimate realization. The Buddha sits in a yogic posture, deep in meditation. His enlightenment allowed him not only to realize, but also to teach, the Four Noble Truths, as stated in the inscription on his lotus throne: Of all dispositions proceeding from a cause The Tathagata [Buddha] has explained the cause And he has explained their cessation also This is the doctrine of the great Shramana [the great ascetic or meditator—the Buddha]. At his right stands the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, identifiable by the image of the Buddha Amitabha in his headdress. At his left is Maitreya, the next Buddha who will come in some distant future.

Artist

Unknown

Date

late 10th–11th century

Medium

Black schist

Culture

India, Bihar, Nalanda monastery

Department

Asian Art

Credit line

Rogers Fund, 1920