Sitting Buddha

Buddha in the northern Thai Rattanakosin or Shan Jambupatti style holding the Bhumisparsha mudra (symbolic hand position).

In depictions of the Buddha showing the Bhumisparsha mudra, the Buddha (specifically, the historical Shakyamuni Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama) is seen seated with his right hand as a pendant over the right knee reaching toward the ground with the palm inward while touching the lotus throne. In the meantime, the left hand can be seen with the palm upright in his lap. This gesture represents the moment of the Buddha's awakening as he claims the earth as the witness of his enlightenment.

Just before Shakyamuni realized enlightenment, it is believed that the demon king Mara tried to frighten him with armies of demons and monsters (including his daughters) who tried to tempt him out of his meditation under the Bodhi tree. Mara claimed the throne of enlightenment for himself, and his demon army claimed to be the witness for Mara's enlightenment. Mara then challenged Siddhartha to produce a greater witness for his own claim to enlightenment. The former prince reached out his right hand to touch the ground, and the earth thundered "I bear you witness!" Hearing the roar from the earth itself, the demon king disappeared. The following morning saw the first appearance of the-one-who-is-awakened, the Buddha. Hence it is believed that the Bhumisparsha, or "earth witness," mudra commemorates the Buddha's victory over temptation at the very moment of enlightenment. It is among the most popular mudras featured in Southeast Asian depictions of the Buddha.

The styling of this figure is in the northern Thai Rattanakosin or Shan Jambupatti style, which depicts the Buddha in his earthly form of prince. The Jambupatti style relates to the story from a Pali text about an arrogant King named Jambusara who wanted to annex the dominion of King Bimbisare, who enyoed the friendship of the Buddha and called on him to help thwart the invasion. In order to humble Jambusara, the Buddha appeared before him in royal regalia sitting on a jeweled throne.. Jambusara, humbled by the Buddha and the splendour in which he appeared to him, acknowledged the Buddha and became one of his most loyal disciples.

Purchased by Sally Nelson in Curepipe, Mauritius, on 28 Oct 1988, for 7000 rupees (about $250).

Wood, lacquer, gilding, pigment, glass, Thai government label certifying legality for export; 61 x 33 x 24cm.