http://collections.mfa.org/internal/media/dispatcher/1576069/resize%3Aformat%3DfullThe Temptation of Shakyamunidated 1561 (Nepal Samvat 681)Distemper on cottonPainting in hanging scroll (thangka) format, with decorative stitched borders, mounted on removable support panel This Nepalese painting illustrates one of the central episodes in the biography of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. Just before he attained enlightenment, the soon-to-be-Buddha was challenged by the evil demon Mara. In an attempt to distract Shakyamuni from his meditation, Mara had his armies swarm around, threatening him and creating a great noise. He also had his lovely daughters dance before the young ascetic. Shakyamuni maintained his concentration with the support of the earth, which rumbled a threat at Mara after the Buddha touched it with his hand. Mara is seen arriving in his chariot in the lower left corner and departing, defeated, in the lower right. The Buddha Shakyamuni sits in an elaborate throne, wearing a crown, his right hand pointing downward in bhumisparsa (earth-touching) mudra. He is surrounded by a wide variety of demonic figures, some of which gesture threateningly toward him. Below, a group of women dance, while a male figure (Mara) arrives and departs on a chariot.Paintings162.9000000000 Centimeter108.5000000000 Centimeter0.0000000000 Centimeterhttp://collections.mfa.org/objects/22422/rdf