Taxila: Life of the Buddha - First Turning of the Dharma Wheel

PAKISTAN, Punjab, Taxila

This broken panel depicts the newly enlightened Buddha at his first turning of the Dharma wheel in Deer Park. He sits on the diamond throne with his hand turning the Dharma wheel. The wheel is mounted on the triratna symbol, which in turn is supported on a miniature pillar. On either side of the pillar are a pair of deer, signifying that this incident took place in Deer Park. Disciples sit on grass mats at the Buddha’s feet while deities surround him and an apsara scatters flowers from above. The foliage of a tree surrounds the Buddha’s nimbus. A decorative band is featured along the base of the carving.