The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.258

v2.c17.s1.258

‘When the Vihāra was completed they appealed to accomplished artists to produce an image of Tathāgata, representing him in the attitude in which he was when he was just becoming a Buddha. Months and years passed away in vain for none responded to their call. At last it was a Brahman who came forward and addressed the congregation of the clergy, saying—"I shall produce the marvellous figure of Tathāgata". The clergy said to him: "Now, what do you require to construct the image"? "Only some aromatic paste", replied he. "Let it be deposited in the centre of the Vihāra, with a lighted lamp for me to work with. When I have entered the place I shall make myself a close prisoner within the door and it should not be opened for a period of six months". The body of the clergy conformed to his orders. When he had thus passed over four months and when consequently the six months had not been completed the clergy were impelled [ 124 ] by curiosity and admiration. Having opened the door to see his work they beheld in the middle of the Vihāra the statue of Buddha seated with his arms crossed and in an imposing attitude....This figure appeared affectingly life-like, only the upper part of the left breast had not been completely modelled and polished. But the clergy could not see the artist and this proved that the statue was the result of a divine miracle'⁵⁵.