Page:The Mythology of All Races Vol 6 (Indian and Iranian).djvu/316

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

PLATE XXVI

Temptation of the Buddha

The Buddha, seated in the "witness attitude" (i.e. touching the earth to call it to witness his rights), is assailed by the powers of evil, led by Māra. The assailants adopt both frightfulness and seduction. Demons in threatening human shape and also in hideous animal guise endeavour to terrify him; Māra's wanton daughters seek to divert his attention to life's evils; but his thoughts remain fixed on Bodhi ("Enlightenment"), and the fiends of every sort are routed. From a fresco at Ajantā, Berār. After Griffiths, The Paintings in the Buddhist Cave-Temples of Ajantâ, Plate VIII.