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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; H: 12 cm; Matsudo Museum, Japan
A relief depicting part of the Abhiniskramana Sutra shows Sakyamuni Buddha visiting the three Kasyapa brothers, who resided in the village of Uruvilva that mainly followed Zoroastrianism. The Buddha uses his supernatural powers to convert them by defeating the fire naga.
An altar dedicated to the fire naga is erected in the center of the relief. A sun disk is surrounded by a jagged pattern that represents fire is on its flat surface. A coiled naga with its tongues sticking out as if in attack is at the bottom. The figures is on either side of the altar represent Kasyapa and his followers who strain to extinguish the fire that has engulfed their altar. A strong sense of urgency is portrayed as the figures gather water in jars to pour over the fire. |
