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Seated Buddha Reaching Enlightenment, Flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya

late 10th–11th century
Not on view
This Buddha from the great monastic site of Nalanda is seen at the moment of enlightenment, with his right hand reaching down to touch the earth, bearing witness to his past refined and meritorious actions, including those in countless past lives that brought him to this point of ultimate realization. The Buddha sits in a yogic posture, deep in meditation. His enlightenment allowed him not only to realize, but also to teach, the Four Noble Truths, as stated in the inscription on his lotus throne:

Of all dispositions proceeding from a cause
The Tathagata [Buddha] has explained the cause
And he has explained their cessation also
This is the doctrine of the great Shramana
[the great ascetic or meditator—the Buddha].

At his right stands the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara,
identifiable by the image of the Buddha Amitabha in his
headdress. At his left is Maitreya, the next Buddha who
will come in some distant future.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Seated Buddha Reaching Enlightenment, Flanked by Avalokiteshvara and Maitreya
  • Period: Pala period
  • Date: late 10th–11th century
  • Culture: India, Bihar, Nalanda monastery
  • Medium: Black schist
  • Dimensions: H. 26 1/4 in. (66.7 cm); W. 17 3/8 in. (4.1 cm); D. 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
  • Classification: Sculpture
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1920
  • Object Number: 20.58.16
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

Audio

Cover Image for 7932. Seated Buddha with Attending Bodhisattvas, Part 1

7932. Seated Buddha with Attending Bodhisattvas, Part 1

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