The
Buddha assumes poorna-padmasana atop a freshly bloomed lotus the lotus
pedestal is indispensable when it comes to Hindu and Buddhist iconography. He
is clad in His characteristic off-one-shoulder raiment, the dense embroidery
and ample folds of which have been sculpted superbly realistically.
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| Medicine Buddha |
The right hand is raised in vitarka mudra (the
dharmakachakrakar gesture), while the left hand rests on His lap and carries
the all-healing medicinal potion that forms the foundation of Tibetan medicine.
The quality of the workmanship is best gleaned from the countenance of the Buddha. Once one goes beyond the beauteous brow, the slender nose, and the lotus-roopi mouth, a composure of the deepest dhyana state and superlative bliss ananda emerges. His both eyes are shut, and a hint of the third could be zoomed in on on His temple..
Dense masses of curls are gathered atop His head in what
could be said to be a Buddhist jaatamukuta ('jaata' is Sanskrit for 'hair';
'mukuta', for 'crown'). The lobes of His wizened ears reach midway through the
thrice-rimmed neck, which is indicative of the conch-like sweetness of His
voice. The lotus petals of the pedestal have been carved with great detail and
finesse, which is best appreciated by zooming in on the same.
