Indian Sculpture and Painting, Illustrated by Typical Masterpieces, with an Explanation of their Motives and Ideals c9.34

c9.34

In the panel above this, King Suddhodhana, the father of Prince Siddhartha, is distributing presents to *bhiksus*—devotees who have consecrated themselves to a religious life. Here again it is delightful to feel the warmth with which the artist has expressed the goodwill with which the presents are given. The disciples of the holy man on the left, loaded with good things from the King's hands, bring the gifts to their master with the best of good feelings. The first figure, who has two large fruits in his hands, offers them tenderly and lovingly. We know at once that they are the very best fruits that could possibly be gathered. These adoring disciples are filled with desire to refresh the body of the saint, and in their movements there is a silent prayer that he will take care of himself for their sakes. But the thought for his physical welfare does not for a moment interfere with the depth of their reverence for him.