Anonymous, Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation (Dhyanamudra), granite, India near Nagapattinam ca. 12th century, The Art Institute, Chicago. Every area of the world holds numerous artistic qualities and pieces, both from the past and the present. Some may even hold emotions of religious devotion. One of these is Buddha Shakyamuni Seated in Meditation (Dhyanamudra), sculpted around the 12th century or the Chola period. The Buddha placed in meditation derives from southern India in the seaside town of Nagapattinam. This was created as a result of the influx of settlers from Srivijaya, currently an area of Indonesia. During the 12th century, this area was one of the few areas where the Buddhism religion was continuously growing and developing. This statue of the Buddha holds many details. Some include the circle marks upon his palms, extended earlobes, the cranial covering with curls, and the urna between his eyebrows. He is seated in meditation, with his hands lying limp on his lap. This is better known as dhyanamudra, in which the vital energy force known as prana is called upon. His clothing appears almost monastic and simple. Similarly, with other pictures from Nagapattinam, a flame protrudes from the Buddha’s cranial covering, symbolizing wisdom. This unique and enormous granite sculpture would have been utilized at a monastic site in Nagapattinam, which is known for Buddhas constructed with bronzes. Sadly, the Tamil inscription upon the backside of the piece is no longer legible due to age.
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