Life of the Buddha - Return from Trayastrimsa Heaven

MYANMAR

This illustration is taken from a manuscript on the Life of the Buddha published during the Konbaung dynasty (1752–1885). The Buddha is shown returning from Trayastrimsa Heaven after spending three months there teaching the Dharma to his mother. Heavenly beings escort the Buddha back to earth via a stairway of gold, silver, and crystal.
The stairway descends from the upper left to the lower right as the Buddha, colored in gold, stands on a lotus pedestal. He extends his left arm towards two monks who kneel in reverence at the foot of the stairs. Two groups of heavenly beings, wearing crowns and white robes, kneel behind the Buddha. Some of them join their palms, while others hold objects including musical instruments, a parasol, and a fan. A colorful background of mountains, trees, city walls, and an ocean enlivens the painting.