Object of the Month - April 2018

First Sermon of the Buddha

Grey Schist

Gandhara, Pakistan. 3rd century A.D.

30 x 25.5 x 6 cms.

S 14

The first sermon delivered by the Buddha after achieving enlightenment is symbolised as turning of the Wheel of Law. Buddha is preaching Dharmachakra sutra in the Deer Park at Isipattana (Sarnath). He is seated in the Padmasana under the tree with his right hand turning the Dharmachakra or the Wheel of Law resting on the Triratna symbol flanked on either side by a deer. The Triratna symbol represents Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and the deer indicates the Deer Park. When Siddhartha arrived at the Deer Park the five monks, who resided there were drawn by their inner urge to come before him and pay their reverence. Buddha is surrounded by these five monks with shaven heads, the representatives of the Gods and some Princes.