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Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana
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Life of the Buddha - Parinirvana
PAKISTAN; circa 2nd–3rd century; Schist; 23.8 x 35 cm; British Museum, London, United Kingdom
After the Buddha breathed his last breath in Kushinagar, he lies on his right side, covered almost completely by his robe. His left knee is slightly bent while his right hand supports his head. Aniruddha, at the head of the bed, has announced that the Buddha has passed into parinirvana. Ananda slumps to the ground in grief while next to him Subhadra, the last disciple, sits meditating with his back to the viewer. The figure standing on the far right is Mahakasyapa, who has just learned of the Buddha’s passing. Vajradhara, on the extreme left, has his right arm raised high above his head in despair. The mourning figures in the background are princes of the Malla clan. Twin sala trees at the corners overshadow the Buddha’s last resting place. |
