The Newar Craftsmen of Kathmandu Valley: Objects of Devotion from Nepal

Buddha Shakyamuni and Key Events in his Life
Mineral pigments on primed cotton
Based on an original painting from Central Tibet, 12th century
By Gyan Bakta Lama
2016

Buddhist art across Asia frequently depicts the life of the historical Buddha, as found here in this painting: a large central Buddha in the earth-touching mudra. This was a pivotal moment when the earth goddess was called upon to bear witness to his impending achievement of enlightenment. Shakyamuni is seated within an architectural frame that rises above him, in the rough design of the temple built where Shakyamuni attained complete realization, in Bodh Gaya (India). The triangular scenes on either side of the tower show the demon Mara’s armies of fear (left) and lust (right) that tried to undermine his final effort. Numerous other scenes from the Buddha’s life are also depicted around the large central figure (see diagram), and under a top row where his death into parinirvana (final release) is witnessed by enlightened Arhat monks and haloed celestial bodhisattvas. The placement of small stupas above the reclining Buddha and those over the large scenes on the sides likely reference the eight great pilgrimage sites made to these places in the early tradition.