Architectural element with four scenes of the life of the Buddha
1. The birth of the Buddha-to-be
The infant Buddha-to-be has just emerged from his mother’s side. She stands holding the branch of a tree, in a well-known gesture of fertility seen elsewhere in this gallery.
2. The great departure
That magnificent chamber [in the harem of his father’s palace] began to seem to the Buddha-tobe like a cemetery filled with dead bodies impaled and left to rot. . . . And breathing forth the solemn utterance, “How oppressive and stifling is it all!” his mind turned ardently to retiring from the world. He arose from his couch, and coming near the door, called out, “I wish to go forth on the Great Retirement today. Saddle a horse for me.” He came near to the horse and said, “My dear Kanthaka, save me now this night; and then, when I have become a Buddha, I will save the world of gods and men.” And thereupon he vaulted upon Kanthaka’s back. If the horse stamped, the sound was so loud as to spread through the whole city; therefore the gods placed the palms of their hands under his feet.
3. The Buddha is entreated to preach
Deities respectfully urge the Buddha to preach the truths he has learned.
4. The Buddha preaches the first sermon
The Buddha “turns the wheel of the doctrine” (a Buddhist metaphor for preaching). A monk is shown offering him a stool to sit on.
This architectural element would have been part of the superstructure or the base of a small stupa. On its sides are four scenes from the life of the Buddha.
For the story of the Buddha’s life, see the nearby panel
