Q.4 Which were the four events in the life of the Buddha which have been depicted in different forms of Buddhist art? What did these events symbolise?
Ans:
The main events associated with the Buddha’s life which were frequently depicted were events related to the birth, renunciation, enlightenment, dharmachakrapravartana, and Mahaparinibbana (death).
- Birth at Lumbini: Represented by Queen Maya holding a branch of a tree and giving birth to Prince Siddhartha, often accompanied by celestial beings.
- Enlightenment at Bodh Gaya: Symbolism: Represents the moment Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree and became the Buddha.
- Dharmachakrapravartana: First Sermon at Sarnath: Marks the beginning of Buddha’s teaching journey, where he set in motion the ‘Dharma Chakra’ (Wheel of Law).
- Mahaparinirvana (Final Liberation) at Kushinagar: Represents Buddha’s passing away and liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth.
| Events | Symbol |
| 1. Janma (Birth) | Elephant |
| 2. Mahabhinishkramana (Renunciation) | Horse |
| 3. Nirvana/Sambodhi (Enlightenment) | Bodhi tree |
| 4. Dharmachakra pravartana (1st sermon) | Wheel |
| 5. Mahaparinirvana (Death) | Stupa |
| Source : Book: NCERT Fine Arts : Chapter : Page:28 |
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