Bihar: Seated Buddha

INDIA, Bihar

This relief was unearthed in Bihar and depicts one of the Eight Great Events of Sakyamuni Buddha’s life, where a devoted monkey offers honey to the Buddha. This particular subject is only found in the area of Bihar. The Buddha sits in full lotus posture on a lotus throne, which is on a pedestal with multiple corners. A bowl rests on the hands, which form the dhyana (meditation) mudra. The diaphanous robe has stylized folds and covers both shoulders. A nimbus rimmed with flames frames the Buddha’s head. Located along the pedestal, the monkey is in front of some drapery, with two Dharma protecting lions resting on either side. The back screen features two seated Buddhas forming the bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra.