Buddha Shakyamuni

14th century

After trying many different paths to escape samsara (the cycle of suffering and rebirth), Gautama Shakyamuni sat under a tree to meditate at the site now known as Bodh Gaya. Coming to understand that a path of moderation would allow release from samsara, he emerges from deep meditation—his left hand remains in dhyana mudra. His right hand touches the ground to summon the earth goddess, Bhumi, to witness his bodhi (moment of awakening). Bhumishparsha mudra recalls the historic event in when he becomes the Buddha (the awakened one), but also represents Buddhist enlightenment in general.

Copper alloy

9 x 6 3/8 x 5 7/8 in. (22.86 x 16.19 x 14.92 cm)

Nasli and Alice Heeramaneck Collection

69.144

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

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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