The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c11.s1.200

c11.s1.200

I. — *Upper scene.* That on pl. XXXIV, 2 (upper scene) the Bodhisattva is, in fact, on the eve of his last re-descent upon our earth, may be seen in this picture, the next in the upper row of bas-reliefs. Seated in the pose of meditation under a much decorated pavilion, which forms a kind of tabernacle, he still floats above the clouds in the midst of his flying cortège of divinities, of whom some are conveying him, whilst others wave banners, fans, fly-flappers and parasols as pledges of his future princely dignity.