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Life of the Buddha - Conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers
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Life of the Buddha - Conversion of the Three Kasyapa Brothers
PAKISTAN; circa 2nd–3rd century; Schist; 40 x 50 cm; Peshawar Museum, Pakistan
The story is depicted in the Abhiniskramana Sutra. Some months after the Buddha’s enlightenment, he visited Uruvilva, and there encountered the three fire-worshipping Kasyapa brothers and converted them. One of the brothers is seen on the left in this relief seated inside a grass hut beside a palm tree. The foliage of the tree frames the curve of the seated figure holding a water vessel in the left hand and gesturing with the right hand as if disputing a point made by the visitor.
The Buddha stands above the seated figure with hands spread in exposition. The standing figure has a mustache and is wearing long monastic robes. The Buddha’s hair is arranged in much the same manner as the bearded Kasyapa brother but with a surrounding nimbus. The standing figure with loose hair behind the Buddha is Vajradhara, his Dharma protector. |
