Swat: Brahma and Sakra’s Request

PAKISTAN, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Swat

Shortly after the Buddha attained enlightenment he decided to pass into nirvana, considering that sentient beings would be unable to perceive the profound truth according to the Abhiniskramana Sutra. Brahma and Sakra, knowing this intention, made a request that the Buddha stay in the world to teach the Dharma and to guide confused beings.
The mustached and stern-looking Buddha in this relief sits in full lotus position upon a throne decorated with diamond-shaped patterns and overhung by the leaves of the Bodhi tree. The leaves frame the head with the hair tied in a plain topknot that is higher than the encircling nimbus. The Buddha’s hands are in dhyana (meditation) mudra and he wears a wide stole over both shoulders. The bearded Brahma stands on the left dressed like a priestly brahmin, with Sakra on the right, dressed like a nobleman. These figures have their palms joined in reverence while heavenly beings wrapped in stoles float above their heads.