First Sermon of the Buddha
Description
The first sermon delivered by the Buddha after achieving enlightenment is symbolised as the turning of the Wheel of Law. Buddha is preaching Dharmachakra sutra in the Deer Park at Isipattana (Sarnath). He is seated in the Padmasana under the tree with his right hand turning the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law resting on the Triratna symbol flanked on either side by a deer. The Triratna symbol represents Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha and the deer indicates the Deer Park. When Siddhartha arrived at the Deer Park the five monks, who resided there were drawn by their inner urge to come before him and pay their reverence. Buddha is surrounded by these five monks with shaven heads, the representatives of the Gods and some Princes.
Collection
Buddhist Art
Object Type
Sculpture
Material
Grey Schist
Schools/Culture/Period
Ancient/Gandharan
Technique
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Date
3rd century CE
Location
Gandhara
Dimension
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