Tayok Pye Temple: Buddha Teaching the Dharma

MYANMAR, Mandalay, Bagan; Bagan Empire (circa 849–1287)

This is one of the 28 murals in Tayok Pye Temple that depict scenes from the Life of the Buddha. It is a striking example of a Buddha image from the time of the Bagan Empire. Wearing a dark monastic robe draped over the left shoulder, the Buddha sits in full lotus position and forms the Dharmacakra (Dharma wheel) mudra. The Buddha has a coiled topknot, a broad forehead, long earlobes, and delicate facial features. His body is painted white, with the palms of the hands and soles of the feet colored in gold. The joined nimbus and aureole are bordered by scrolling flame patterns, possibly symbolizing the Buddha preforming a miracle. A stylized green tree surrounds the upper half of the nimbus. In the lower register, a row of disciples look up and join their palms.