DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.2371#0200
178 CAVE-TEMPLES OP WESTERN INDIA.
The entrance to the cistern is usually by a square opening1 in the
floor of a small recess; and on the back wall of this recess, or on
the face of the rock over it, is frequently an inscription. Sometimes,
but seldom, the jambs of the recess are carved with pilasters.
In addition to the foregoing may be quoted the Images of Buddha
found in so many of the "Western Buddhist Caves, but perhaps in none
earlier than the fourth or fifth century. These images2 when found
in the shrines are always represented as seated, though oftentimes
attended by standing figures bearing fly-flaps. The seated figures
are distinguished by Buddhists according to the position of the hands.
The most usual attitude of the great teacher is that in which he is
represented as seated on a throne, the corners of which are upheld
by two lions, with his feet on a lotus blossom and his hands in front
of his breast holding the little finger of the left hand between the
thumb and forefinger of the right. This is known as the Dharma-
cJiakra mudrd, or attitude of " turning the wheel of the lawr," that is
of teaching. He is also sometimes represented standing, or with his
legs doubled up under him and his hands in this mudrd or attitude.
The next most common attitude of Buddha is that in which the
JainaTirthaukaras are always represented, viz., with their legs doubled
under them in a squatting attitude, and the hands laid one on the
other over the feet with the palms turned upwards. This position of
meditative absorption is called the Jnana or JDhydna mudrd. A third
attitude in which he is sometimes represented, as when under the
Bodhi tree, where he is said to have attained to Buddha-hood, is
called the Vajrdsana or JBhumisparsa mudra, when the left hand lies
on the upturned soles of the feet, and the right resting over the
knee, points to the earth. He is also figured on the walls standing
with the right hand uplifted in the attitude of blessing, or with the
1 This was probably fitted with a square wooden cover to keep insects, leaves,
out of the water. .
2 The Singhalese and Chinese Buddhists have a legend that a FlVima image «
Gautama was made during his lifetime by the King of Kosala. The Tibetan script"1'^
(Asiat. Res. vol. xx. p. 476) speak of Buddha having lectured on the advantages*
laying up his image; and the Divya Avaddna of Nepal gives a story (Speir's UJ
Ancient India, p. 272) of his having recommended Bimbisara to send his P01*"^
Rudrayana, King of Eoruka; but all these stories are doubtless like very much ^ ^
in Buddhist literature, the invention of later times. The earliest mention of image
Ceylon is in the Mihintali inscription of 241 A.D.—Alwis, Buddhism, pp- l9> 2 '
The entrance to the cistern is usually by a square opening1 in the
floor of a small recess; and on the back wall of this recess, or on
the face of the rock over it, is frequently an inscription. Sometimes,
but seldom, the jambs of the recess are carved with pilasters.
In addition to the foregoing may be quoted the Images of Buddha
found in so many of the "Western Buddhist Caves, but perhaps in none
earlier than the fourth or fifth century. These images2 when found
in the shrines are always represented as seated, though oftentimes
attended by standing figures bearing fly-flaps. The seated figures
are distinguished by Buddhists according to the position of the hands.
The most usual attitude of the great teacher is that in which he is
represented as seated on a throne, the corners of which are upheld
by two lions, with his feet on a lotus blossom and his hands in front
of his breast holding the little finger of the left hand between the
thumb and forefinger of the right. This is known as the Dharma-
cJiakra mudrd, or attitude of " turning the wheel of the lawr," that is
of teaching. He is also sometimes represented standing, or with his
legs doubled up under him and his hands in this mudrd or attitude.
The next most common attitude of Buddha is that in which the
JainaTirthaukaras are always represented, viz., with their legs doubled
under them in a squatting attitude, and the hands laid one on the
other over the feet with the palms turned upwards. This position of
meditative absorption is called the Jnana or JDhydna mudrd. A third
attitude in which he is sometimes represented, as when under the
Bodhi tree, where he is said to have attained to Buddha-hood, is
called the Vajrdsana or JBhumisparsa mudra, when the left hand lies
on the upturned soles of the feet, and the right resting over the
knee, points to the earth. He is also figured on the walls standing
with the right hand uplifted in the attitude of blessing, or with the
1 This was probably fitted with a square wooden cover to keep insects, leaves,
out of the water. .
2 The Singhalese and Chinese Buddhists have a legend that a FlVima image «
Gautama was made during his lifetime by the King of Kosala. The Tibetan script"1'^
(Asiat. Res. vol. xx. p. 476) speak of Buddha having lectured on the advantages*
laying up his image; and the Divya Avaddna of Nepal gives a story (Speir's UJ
Ancient India, p. 272) of his having recommended Bimbisara to send his P01*"^
Rudrayana, King of Eoruka; but all these stories are doubtless like very much ^ ^
in Buddhist literature, the invention of later times. The earliest mention of image
Ceylon is in the Mihintali inscription of 241 A.D.—Alwis, Buddhism, pp- l9> 2 '