Question

How is the Buddha depicted in this sculpture? Is he a God or a wise teacher?

a) The Buddha is depicted with multiple heads and arms, resembling a deity.
b) The Buddha is depicted as a simple human teacher.
c) The Buddha is shown riding a horse, symbolizing his divine status.
d) The Buddha is depicted with a sword and shield, signifying his warrior-like attributes.

Answer 1

The correct depiction of the Buddha is as a simple human teacher, shown in traditional sculptures sitting in meditation, symbolizing his enlightenment and teachings after leaving his royal life.

Step-by-step explanation:

The representation of the Buddha in sculptures can vary, but traditionally, he is depicted as a human individual who achieved enlightenment through personal insight and meditation. Given the options provided and the references to the sculptures showing him in human form and the historical context of Siddhartha Gautama as a prince turned spiritual teacher, the Buddha is depicted primarily as a wise teacher. This is apparent in the iconography which often shows Buddha in a meditative pose, drapes akin to a toga, and sometimes with one shoulder revealed, symbolizing simplicity and a departure from royal luxuries. Therefore, the correct answer in this context is that the Buddha is depicted as a simple human teacher, which can be seen in Figure 10.19 of the third-century sculpture, the meditating Buddha statue in Figure 4.21 (a), or the Buddha from Gandhara in Figure 9.5.21.