Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana

PAKISTAN

This is a scene that follows the Buddha’s passing into parinirvana. The Buddha lies on his right side with his left leg brought forward and his body completely wrapped in many layers of cloth, ready for cremation. Ananda has collapsed on the ground in sorrow and is helped to his feet by Aniruddha, who reminds him of the Buddha’s teaching regarding separation. Subhadra, with back to the viewer, sits calmly before the bed in deep meditation
At the foot of the bed another monk greets Mahakasyapa, who has just returned from Magadha after hearing the news of the Buddha’s passing. In the center, next to Upamana, who holds a whisk, a local Malla prince raises his arm in despair.