Life of the Buddha - First Turning of the Dharma Wheel

PAKISTAN

Two months after his enlightenment, the Buddha journeyed to Sarnath in search of the five ascetics who had been his companions during his period of ascetic practice. In the relief here, they surround him as he seeks to convince them of his Buddhahood. Before him on the teaching throne is a symbol that resembles a Dharma wheel but is in fact a ten petaled lotus. It is flanked by deer, in reference to the fact that the scene of this first teaching is set in Deer Park.
The Buddha sits cross-legged under a tree with left hand raised. Four of the monks about him have their hands joined in their lap, but the one on the lower right has his right hand raised. Behind the Buddha’s shoulder is Vajradhara, while turbaned deities occupy the remaining space.