The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c6.22

c6.22

Let us examine first the stories which present animals only, and which, consequently, are pure « fables ». There were related in India two thousand years and more ago tales with which we are still to-day familiar from infancy. I will cite, for example, that of « the Tortoise and the two Ducks », which is depicted already on the ancient balustrade of Bodh-Gayâ. Among the fragments of Barhut which have survived until our time we do not find any equally celebrated. On the other hand, when we see the Bodhisattva appear there, he has already arrived at the state, or if you prefer, at the genus of bird.