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Buddha in Meditation

Southern Vietnam

Not on view

The Buddha sits on a lotus throne, his hands resting in a meditation gesture. The open robe, with the right shoulder exposed, points to southern Indian or Sri Lankan influences. It was found at the mouth of the Mekong Delta, downstream from the Funan political center Oc Eo. Sanskrit letters are incised on three petals, spelling, in part, Suryadatta—possibly the name of the donor; other syllables may be honorifics associated with the name or may be protective spells (dharani), charms generating mystical power.

cat. no. 47

Buddha in Meditation, Sandstone, Southern Vietnam

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