740 REPORT OF NATIONAL MUSEUM, 1904. 



Buddhism is divided into two great schools —the southern school in 

 Ceylon, Burma, and Siam, called the "Lesser Vehicle'"' (Nmayana), 

 which is assumed to have preserved the original teachings of Buddha 

 in greater purity and simplicity; and the northern school in central 

 and eastern Asia, called the "Greater Vehicle" (Mahay ana), which 

 adopted many popular elements of mysticism and magic. Each of 

 these schools is subdivided into many sects. 



the collection. 



1. Buddha, standing on the lotus upon a platform, with an 

 aureole. — The figure is made of teak, gilded, and studded with col- 

 ored stones; the platform is of wood, carved, painted, and gilded, and 

 likewise studded with colored stones; the aureole is inlaid with pieces 

 of looking-glass, surrounded by a rim of open carved work, terminat- 

 ing in a bird, perhaps the Garuda, the mythical bird of India, or the 

 sacred goose (hanza). Measurements: Height of the figure, 3 feet 10 

 inches; height of the platform, 2 feet 4 inch; width, 3 feet; depth, 3 

 feet 6 inches.— Burma. (Plate 1, Cat. No. 216137, U.S.N.M.) 



Buddha is generally represented as a beardless young man. The 

 head is surmounted by a protuberance ( Ushmsha), being the "hump of 

 perfect wisdom.' 1 The hair is arranged in short curls, resembling sharp 

 points, which tradition interprets to represent snails which once came 

 out to shelter Buddha's head from the rays of the sun. A precious 

 stone in the form of a bead ( Urna) is on the forehead. The ear loin 

 are pierced and long, sometimes touching the shoulders. The arn 

 are long, which with the Hindus is a mark of noble birth. The robe is 

 thrown over the left shoulder, leaving the right one free. He is 

 either standing, the attitude of teaching, or sitting with crossed legs, 

 meditating, or reclining, passing away into the Nirvana. The throne 

 (padmasana) upon which he sits or stands is formed of the fully 

 opened lotus tiower, the symbol of purity and perfection. Behind 

 the head is often displayed a nimbus or halo, frequently in form 

 of a fig leaf, in remembrance of the tree under which he attained to 

 Buddhahood. 



2. Buddha, sitting in meditation. — Bronze and inerusted around 

 the forehead with colored stones. Height, 2 feet 5 inches. — Burma. 

 (Plate 2, Cat. No. 216120, U.S.N.M.) 



3. Buddha, slated upon a lotus. — Carved of teak and gilded 

 Height, 3 feet, Burma, (Plate 3, Cat. No. 210131, U.S.N.M.) 



1. Buddha, reclining (passing into Nirvana). — Made of alabaster, 

 gilded and inerusted with colored stones. Placed on carved and gilded 

 wooden stand. Length of figure, 2 feet 5 inches. Measurements of 

 stand: Length, 3 feet; width, 1 foot 8 inches; height, 11 inches. - 

 Burma. (Plate 1, Cat. No. 216130, U.S.N.M.) 



