The Beginnings of Buddhist Art and Other Essays in Indian and Central-Asian Archaeology c9.180

c9.180

At the top, round the head of the central figure, may be distinguished, first, two little figures of seated Buddhas, then the two traditional worshipping divinities; finally, a Buddha lying crosswise above reflects completely the words of the texts concerning the four attitudes assumed by the emanations of the Master (cf. above, p. 159). Before the face of each of the two largest attendant Buddhas (the head of the one on the left is broken) appear, in fact, two little standing Buddhas, one of whom must be supposed to be walking. Above, a stem with three branches supports at each side, on three lotuses, a group exactly analogous to the principal composition; a third group, between two flying genii, occupies the summit of the stele. (Cf. above, p. 167.)