Enshrined Buddha

Myanmar (Burma)

c. 1850

Wood, lacquer, gold leaf, mirrors and colored glass inlay

Minneapolis Institute of Art

A seated Buddha figure is adorned with gold leaf, lacquer, and inlaid glass and mirrors. The figure is depicted in a meditative pose on an ornate base. Seated in the <i>bhumisparśamudra</i>, or earth-touching gesture, this statue depicts the Buddha just before his enlightenment under the bodhi tree. The events leading up to this moment are often described as a powerful battle between good and evil, delusion and insight. Mara, the god of illusion, attacked the Buddha, challenging the young prince’s right to destroy him. In response, the Buddha reached his right hand down, calling the earth as witness to his good deeds over many lifetimes. In accounts from Southeast Asia, the goddess of the earth emerged and flooded the earth, destroying Mara and his armies.<P> “Enshrining” or “enthr