Wednesday 11 February 2015

Bodhisattva Maitre

Bodhisattva Maitre
 
Gandhar School,1st Century CE 

        Not only did the Gandhar artist give Lord Buddha a human form, he also increased the Buddhist pantheon. The noble souls who could reach Nirvana, but prefer to stay back in this world, in order to relieve the pain of others--the Bodhisattvas found myriad expressions in the hands of the Gandhar artists. This was crucial for the development of Buddhist art. From Gandhar these sculptures of Bodhisattvas would travel thru China, Korea and Japan. Indian art would become the basis of Asian Art. 
        Bodhisattva Maitre is the future Buddha. He can be recognised easily with his amulets around his neck, and one especially to the side. He stands erect, with his young muscular body draped in dhoti and yards of clothes. He wears a pair of sandles. He appears like a true prince with all his material finery. Yet he is lost to the world, lost in his deep thoughts. His compassion is apparent from his gentle smile, under his moustache, and his half-closed eyes. He is the ideal Man.

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