Bodhisattva PadmpaniAjanta Caves,Gupta Period,5th Century CE
The most famous face of Ajanta is Bodhisattva Padmpani. He is Prince Siddharth in his palace, in deep contemplation. He is the Bodhisattva of compassion.
The Bodhisattva has travelled the world over. When Bodhisattva Padmpani went from India to China, he underwent a sex change. In China he is the goddess of Compassion, Kuan Yin. The fact that Kuan Yin was a male diety is reflected by the fact that Kuan Yin is flat chested.
Compassion is central to Buddhism. If the universe is created by a power, all the creation is His/ Her handiwork. We are all created equal. We should, therefore, treat every one with same level of love, respect and dignity as we treat ourself. Compassion is what unites the universe in a single entity. It is the bonding force which keeps the civilisation united; it is the only path to peace and prosperity, the path to Nirvana.
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