Dhyani Buddha

Description

This Pala-period sculpture represents the Dhyani Buddha- a special divine being who attained the status of Buddha without being a bodhisattva. The Dhyani Buddha (translating literally to meditating Buddha) is characteristically depicted in peaceful meditation- as one sees in this carved panel as well. The motif of meditation is visible right on top- with an entire row of Dhyani Buddha's present. In the lower panel, one finds different figures- the pancatathagathas, namely Vairocana, Amoghasiddhi, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha and Aksobhaya. Above them, the central figure of Vajrasattva Ghantapani is visible- depicted seated in a cross-legged manner, flanked by two female attendants in anjalimudra. Other important motifs are also visible- the purnaghata (kalasa) motif is present adjacent to the pancatathagathas, along with foliage & lotus motifs- even on the pedestal of Vajrasattva. Atop the central figure, one can also see a kirtimukha motif on top.