Rishabhanatha, the first Jina, and other tirthankaras

first half of the 10th century

Dhyana means meditation. The most common body postures for showing meditation are dhyana mudra (folding the hands in the lap) and dhyana asana (crossing the legs in the “lotus position”). Although often identified with Buddhism, many traditions across Asia share these postures. This particular image relates to Jainism, one of India’s major although lesser-known spiritual-philosophical paths. Jains focus on self-discipline, especially renunciation of worldly things, and nonviolence to find moksha (release) from the cycle of samsara (rebirth). This sculpture depicts Rishabhanatha, the first of Jainism’s twenty-four jinas (spiritual victors). He can be identified by the bull on his throne cloth, along with the locks of hair on his shoulders. (Other jinas have pulled out all of their hair as part of the ceremony in which they became monks.) In art used for Jain worship, dhyana mudra indicates more than a figure meditating—it represents final liberation and transcendent bliss.

Sandstone

16 3/4 x 13 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (42.55 x 34.29 x 13.97 cm)

Overall h.: 19 1/4 in.

Thomas D. Stimson Memorial Collection

50.58

Now on view at the Asian Art Museum

Resources

Exhibition HistorySeattle, Washington, Seattle Asian Art Museum, Boundless: Stories of Asian Art, Feb. 8, 2020 - ongoing.

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