Bodhi Tree Buddha, Clad In A Bejewelled Robe - Tibetan Buddhist

The Bodhi tree gathers the untiring ascetic in its soothing shade. Located at Gaya, its branches spread out to form a canopy that the erstwhile Shakyamuni found irresistible. When He chanced upon it, He had renounced the luxuries of His princely life many years ago and wandered in renunciation ever since. And it is under the Bodhi tree that His brilliant mind transitioned into Enlightenment. The murti that you see on this page depicts Him seated under the Bodhi tree post Enlightenment. The almsbowl - a remnant of His days of mendicancy not so long ago - He holds in His lap; the other hand He raises in blessing. He is dressed in a bejewelled robe, carved with superb attention to detail; as opposed to material abundance, it is indicative of the timeless glory of the Buddha.

Behind His stately head, the Bodhi tree canopy forms an extensive halo. A multitude of densely packed leaves, each of them sculpted with great detail, such as midrib and venation, despite the scale. Zoom in on the same to appreciate the pure brass workmanship. Note the birds that nestle at a couple of places within the canopy. The branches extend in perfect symmetry to each other, as the silhouette of the canopy itself. The pendulous sub-branches of the Bodhi tree adds a hint of balance to the composition. The pedestal on which the sculpture is poised is engraved with embossed lotus petals, an integral aspect of the throne of the Buddha.