Buddha Seated in Meditation

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The ancient region of Gandhara, situated in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan, was a cradle of early images depicting the Buddha. Here, the meditating Buddha sits cross-legged in dhyana mudra, his facial features and robes demonstrating the profound influence of classical sculpture. In the 4th Century BC, Alexander the Great conquered parts of Central Asia, establishing settlements that would last for many centuries under Greek influence. A majestic image of the Buddha is seated cross-legged in a yogic posture, padmasana, his hands resting in a meditation position. Deep in contemplation, he embodies the model yogi, with his monastic robe draped over both shoulders in a style characteristic of the Gandharan school of Kushan Buddhist art. The robes are intricately pleated and folded, bringing the figure to life. They cover the Buddha's entire body, leaving only his hands and one foot exposed, which projects from beneath the robe. The Buddha sits on a cushioned throne support with lion-claw legs and drawn drapery, exuding quiet authority. Beneath the throne-seat lies a scene where the Buddha is shown with uncut hair before his renunciation, surrounded by followers paying homage to him. This scene alludes to the earlier paths pursued by Sakyamuni before attaining enlightenment and embracing the Middle Way. The Buddha's head displays a fully developed skull protuberance, ushnisa, replacing the conventionalised top-knot flourish of hair seen in earlier images with a formal supernatural auspicious mark, laksana. A large unadorned halo frames his head, rendering an image of great majesty and authority, quintessential to the Buddha as the master of yoga.