English: Url:http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/49809

Date:ca. 2nd century Culture:Pakistan (ancient region of Gandhara, Swat Valley) Medium:Schist with gold leaf Dimensions:H. 8 3/4 in. (22.2 cm); W. 8 3/8 in. (21.3 cm); D. 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm) Classification:Sculpture Credit Line:Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan D. Wolfe, in memory of Samuel Eilenberg, 1998

In this panel the ascetic Megha (the Buddha Shakyamuni in a past life) appears three times: first, standing before the Buddha Dipankara throwing flowers; second, prostrate before the Buddha spreading his matted locks over mud; and third, flying in the upper left of the panel in a gesture of veneration.

This story is the critical beginning of the Gandharan narrative cycle, as the Buddha Dipankara predicts that in a future life Megha will reach enlightenment and become the Buddha Shakyamuni.