Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c10.190

c10.190

Immediately over the head of the Buddha is his heavenly counterpart, the Dhyâni Buddha Amîtâbha, holding the nectar of immortality. To the right and left, floating in the azure heavens,¹ Buddha appears again, in different manifestations, first in the attitude which denotes spiritual instruction, and, secondly, with hands folded in his lap, signifying meditation. To these two figures there is a double aureole, the inside one blue with golden rays, like that of the central figure, and the outside one orange, shading off into a faint rose-colour with another set of golden rays over it. The effect of the combination is very suggestive of the colours of sunrise and sunset in a clear sky.