What does an empty seat represent in early Buddhist iconography ?
A
The meditation of the Buddha
Correct answer
B
The Buddha's First Sermon
C
The Buddha's Mahaparinibbana
D
The Buddha's Mahabhinishkramana
Explanation
Early Buddhist art (Bharhut, Sanchi) did not show the Buddha in human form. An empty seat, usually the vajrasana under the Bodhi tree, stands for his meditation and enlightenment. The First Sermon is shown by a wheel (dharmachakra), often with deer; the Mahaparinibbana by a stupa; and the Great Departure (Mahabhinishkramana) by a riderless horse.
Art & CultureBuddhist art: aniconic symbolsAniconic Buddhist artEmpty seatBodhi treeDharmachakraStupa