Item: Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha (Tibetan: sha kya tu pa, sang gye. English: the Enlightened One, Sage of the Shakya Clan), founder of Buddhism, and the Sixteen Great Arhats in a five painting set.

Sanskrit: Buddha Shakyamuni Tibetan: Sang gye sha kya tu pa

At the top left is the Arhat Angaja holding a fly-whisk in the bend of the right arm and the handle of an incense burner in the left hand. On the right side is the Arhat Bakula holding a jewel spitting mongoose in the lap. At the top center is a very small figure of the Buddha of long-life, Amitayus.

At the center of the composition is Shakyamuni Buddha, gold in colour, with the right arm extended across the knee and the left in the lap holding a black begging bowl. On the right and left side of Shakyamuni are the two principal students, Shariputra, standing, holding a monk's staff and a begging bowl and Maudgalyayana also holding a staff and a bowl.

Royal donor figures are seated below the Buddha accompanied by a host of retinue attendants.

"Born in the Shakya race through skillful means and compassion; destroying the army of Mara who was unable to be destroyed by others; with a body radiant like a mountain of gold. Homage to you, King of Shakya." (Sakya liturgical verse).

Jeff Watt 9-99 [updated 6-2009]