In the fifth century B.C.E., Prince Siddhartha meditated upon the nature of suffering, achieved enlightenment, and became known as the Buddha (literally, Enlightened One). After his enlightenment, the Buddha taught monks, nuns, and householders a way to move beyond the misery of existence by ridding themselves of desire and attachment. In later centuries, devotees constructed monumental reliquaries covered with narrative relief sculptures depicting the Buddha's life. Over time, images of the Buddha and other enlightened beings (bodhisattvas) became an increasingly important focus of art and devotion. (see Buddhist gallery guide). next page

Head of the Buddha Pakistan (Ancient Gandhara) 3rd century Schist; height 27.5 cm (10 7/8 in.) Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alan D. Wolfe    S1989.19

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