Studies in Indian Art c7.s1.8

c7.s1.8

Buddha, for example, is born as the son of Māyādevī, not as nature would have it, but through the right side of the womb of his mother. As a new-born babe, it would not cry, but walk the Seven Steps, and be washed not with ordinary water, but with two miraculous streams issuing from the ground under the influence of the two Nāga kings, Nanda and Upananda. The two streams of hot and cold water conform to the two world forces of peace and activity, rest and motion, *Soma* and *Agni* in Vedic language. At every stage in the life of the Enlightened One, the myths impart to it its devout religious character. If we wish to understand the religious life of the Buddha, and not merely Gautama the Man, the myths and legends hold the key. Their meanings alone reveal to us the rich treasures of Buddhistic thought as symbolised in the life of the Master.