Buddha Assembly

PAKISTAN

This Gandharan relief depicts the Buddha teaching the Dharma. The Buddha sits in full lotus position on a large, inverted lotus throne. The monastic robe he wears covers the left shoulder. The right hand is broken but was presumably in the abhaya (fearlessness) mudra, while the left hand holds the robe on the lap. A series of garlands above the Buddha’s head acts as a canopy. The figures gathered on either side of the Buddha are divided into two registers. The figures, with the exception of the two next to the Buddha’s head, are seated on lotus thrones and most of them have nimbuses, signifying their probable status as Bodhisattvas. Some figures are in deep contemplation; others have palms joined, some gaze intently at the Buddha, and others are turned seemingly in conversation.