Indian Art: A History of Indian Art from the Earliest Times up to the Third Century A.D. c15.s2.t5.14

c15.s2.t5.14

9. DECISION OF THE BUDDHA TO BECOME A TEACHER OF THE MANKIND:—When the Buddha had attained enlightenment he first fasted for 49 days seated at the foot of the Bodhi tree. This scence is seldom depicted outside Gandhāra where the skeletal frame of ascetic has been shown in several good sculptures. After accepting Sujātā’s milky food Buddha remained in doubt if he should impart knowledge to others. The Devas then entreated of him and he accepted their request to teach mankind what he had himself learnt. In this panel Buddha seated in a lotus-pose under the Bodhi tree is surrounded by a group of divine figures making their humble prayer to him to became the universal teacher (Longhurst, pl. XXIII (a) ).