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SOUTHEAST ASIAN OBJECTS FROM THE COLLECTION
BURMA (MYANMAR)
Sculpture from Burma (Myanmar)
CAMBODIA
Sculpture from Cambodia
INDONESIA
Sculpture from Indonesia
THAILAND
Sculpture from Thailand
Ceramics from Thailand
VIETNAM
Ceramics from Vietnam
Buddha Shakyamuni with Kneeling Worshipers
Burma (Myanmar); 14th - 15th century
Gilt copper alloy
H. 16 in. (40.6 cm); W. 14 3/4 in. (37.5 cm)
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art
1979.091a-c
According to tradition, Buddha Shakyamuni became enlightened at the age of 35 after a lengthy meditation in which he battled the god of death and desire, Mara. The earth-touching gesture (bhumisparsha mudra) performed by this image recalls the moment when, challenged by Mara regarding his right to achieve enlightenment, the Buddha reaches his right hand down to call the earth to bear witness to his entitlement. According to one legend, the earth, represented here below Shakyamuni, wrung the waters of the earth from her hair and swept away Mara and his armies. The kneeling devotees who offer flowers to the Buddha are two of his most important disciples, Mogallana and Shariputra. Their presence symbolizes the importance of using skillful means and knowledge in the search for enlightenment.
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