Dipankara Jataka (The Story of the Ascetic Megha and the Buddha Dipankara)

Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley)

Not on view

In this panel the ascetic Megha (the Buddha Shakyamuni in a past life) appears three times: first, standing before the Buddha Dipankara throwing flowers; second, prostrate before the Buddha spreading his matted locks over mud; and third, flying in the upper left of the panel in a gesture of veneration.

This story is the critical beginning of the Gandharan narrative cycle, as the Buddha Dipankara predicts that in a future life Megha will reach enlightenment and become the Buddha Shakyamuni.

Dipankara Jataka (The Story of the Ascetic Megha and the Buddha Dipankara), Schist with gold leaf, Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley)

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Dipankara Jataka (The Story of the Ascetic Megha and the Buddha Dipankara), Schist with gold leaf, Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley)
Dipankara Jataka (The Story of the Ascetic Megha and the Buddha Dipankara), Schist with gold leaf, Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley)

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