The last message of the Enlightened One or Buddha’s life to his followers, was his death. Embracing the movement of life and being fearless in the face of mortality with the wisdom that it is a truth of life, is the lesson Buddha’s death, also known as “Mahaparinirvana” imparted to the followers of Buddha and Dhamma. Buddhist traditions narrate that approaching death, Buddha himself asked Ananda to prepare his bed, on which he lay on his right, as represented in this masterpiece copper statue from Nepal.
On a decorated platform, Buddha lies, as described in the Mahaparinirvana Sutta, devoid of fear or anxiety. In his last moments, Buddha welcomed the questions of those who visited him and ensured that the doubts of the followers were resolved.
The tranquility of Buddha in Mahaparinirvana is an ode to this supreme wisdom, which allows for an unbounded and unbothered existence, aware of the impermanence of human life. Buddha in this depiction is dressed in the monk’s garments, with his coiled hair, calm eyes, and heavenly expressions delineated beautifully. The platform or asana on which Buddha is placed is a work of art, showcasing the life of Tathagata. From the lower left corner, the platform shows the birth of Buddha in the grooves of Lumbini, where his mother stands covered by the cloth as the baby Buddha takes his first steps.
The central image on the platform depicts the ritual of worshipping the Stupa, where the relic and bodily remains of the Buddha are placed, as sacred elements. The right section represents meditating Buddha in the heart of a forest, probably Bodh Gaya, where he attained Sambodhi. The upper border of the platform is adorned with the conch motif symbolising the declaration of the victory of Dhamma and the lowermost line is marked by the Vajra symbol. The two sides of the platform are adorned by the Dhammachakra or the Wheel of Dhamma held by two lions, who in Buddhism represent the Buddha who is also known as Shakya-simha or the lion of the Shakya clan.
All these images on the platform are symbolic of the sacred life of the Buddha which finally fuses with his death, creating a cyclical narrative of the greatness of the Enlightenment, who from his birth to his death, has laid down the most perfect path, to achieving Enlightened wisdom.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist