Life of the Buddha - First Turning of the Dharma Wheel

PAKISTAN

According to the Samyukta Agama, after the Buddha’s enlightenment, he sought out Kaundinya and four other companions of his ascetic practice to teach them the Four Noble Truths. The Buddha is seated on a square throne with a pair of deer in front of him, alluding to the Deer Park that is the scene of his first sermon. His right hand turns the symbolic wheel of the Dharma. Surrounding the Buddha are the five monks. All except one wear their robe over both shoulders and have hands in their lap, but one of the monks has his right shoulder bared and his hand is raised. The figure standing behind the Buddha’s right shoulder is Vajradhara, who acts as his Dharma protector.