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Buddha Shakyamuni

Receiving Offerings

Artefact Description

This is a typical sculpture of Buddha Shakyamuni, from the late Ayutthaya period. Ayutthaya was a Thai kingdom, which existed from 1350 CE to 1767 CE.

 

The Buddha Shakyamuni is adorned in royal attire, featuring a magnificent diadem, with flanges that cover both ears and a conical Usnisha that points to a tall and sharp finial.

 

The Buddha Shakyamuni is seated on rocks with both legs resting on a pedestal, while His hands display the Varada (Charity-bestowing or receiving) mudra. His hands are seen extending downward and lying flat on the knee, fingers together, palms up or facing the viewer, which usually symbolizes the bestowing of boons or favours.

 

All His fingers are adorned with rings, further emphasising His regal bearing. It is believed that such imagery of the Buddha are patronized and worshipped only by the King.

 

An elephant and a monkey are seen paying their respects and making offerings to the Buddha - the elephant is holding a stick-like object, while the monkey is offering Buddha a banana wrapped in honeycomb.

Historical Background

This image is believed to be inspired by a story from the Theravada tradition. In His ninth year of Enlightenment, the Buddha was at Kosambi, preaching Dharma to His disciples. Schism arose within the Sangha, due to a misunderstanding that arose from a trivial dispute between the discourse teacher and disciplinary teacher in the Sangha.1 p65, 2 p109, 3 c11

 

Buddha tried to intervene and settle the dispute, but even His advice was ignored. The disheartened Buddha then chose to proceed to the Parileyyaka forest alone to meditate.

 

During His retreat, the Buddha was looked after by an elephant and monkey. The elephant gave the Buddha protection from wild animals and even begged alms on His behalf, while the monkey gathered flowers, fruits and honey for Him.1 p65, 4 fig 138

 

The monks who were responsible for the dispute were shunned by the people, when they found out about the dispute, which caused the subsequent departure of Buddha.

 

Finally, the monks realized their mistake and begged for Buddha's forgiveness. He accepted them without blame and returned to the Sangha to resume His Dharma preaching.

Bibliography:

  1. Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero, Life of The Buddha In Gandhara Art, 2006, ISBN 981-05-7045-7
  2. Ratan Parimoo, Life of the Buddha in Indian Sculpture, 1936, ISBN 13:9788124605523
  3. Charles F. Chicarelli, Buddhist Art: An Illustrated Introduction, 2004, ISBN 974-9575-54-7
  4. Ven. Narada Maha Thero, Vision of The Buddha, The Buddha and His Teachings, 2006, ISBN-10: 8179926176
  5. Saddhaloka, Encounters With Enlightenment, Stories from the Life of the Buddha, Windhorse Publications, 2001, ISBN 978 1 899579 37 2

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