Universe: Reimagining the Buddha over centuries, across continents

As Buddhist philosophy changed over time, so too did Buddhist art. In the earliest phases of the tradition, the Buddha was never shown in human form. Instead, his presence was suggested symbolically. A pair of footprints, a Bodhi tree, or even a simple turban — these stood in for his image. The idea was clear: the Buddha was not to be confined to mere physical likeness. We find this ‘absent Buddha’ at Sanchi, Bharhut and rock cut caves of Maharashtra. This was the old Theravada school.

But, as centuries passed, this attitude shifted. Around 2,000 years ago, especially in regions influenced by the Indo-Greek culture, artists began to represent the Buddha as a human being. He appeared with a topknot symbolising wisdom, elongated earlobes recalling his princely ornaments, and long limbs to signify grace and power.

He wore pleated robes not unlike those seen on Greek statues, and often a halo glowed behind him, evoking divinity. These were the images of Sakyamuni Buddha, shaped by a fusion of Indian and Hellenistic aesthetics.

What began as an abstract philosophy was now taking recognisable, almost god-like, form.

As Mahayana Buddhism spread, the philosophy itself changed. No longer was there only one Buddha of the past; there could be many Buddhas, across time and space. With this idea, new images emerged. Around the 12th century, the concept of the Five Dhyani Buddhas took shape. Each Buddha was associated with a direction, a gesture, and a quality.

Vairochana, at the centre, made the teaching gesture. Akshobhya, in the east, touched the earth. Ratnasambhava, in the south, held out his hand in a gesture of generosity. Amitabha, linked to the west, meditated quietly, while Amoghasiddhi, in the north, offered protection. Together, these five Buddhas embodied a cosmic vision of enlightenment far bigger than the solitary figure of Gautama.

Then came the Tantra. In Vajrayana Buddhism, art became even more radical. The serene meditating Buddha was joined by fierce Herukas — wrathful forms, sometimes with multiple arms, glaring faces, or in sexual embrace with Yoginis. These shocking images were not meant to scandalise but to express profound truths: that enlightenment includes both violence and passion, both destruction and creation.

They stood in contrast to the early image of the celibate hermit, reminding devotees that the path could also be wild, intense, and transformative.

Alongside the Buddhas came the Bodhisattvas — compassionate beings who delayed their own nirvana to help others. Each had distinctive emblems: Manjushri with his sword of wisdom, Maitreya with a flask of nectar, the Medicine Buddha with his healing bowl. Padmapani carried the lotus, symbol of purity, while Vajrapani held the thunderbolt staff.

These figures gave Buddhist art a human richness, bridging philosophy and devotion. Over time, the Buddha images multiplied in form and scale. They were carved seated, standing, reclining, and even walking. They spread from India to Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China, and Tibet. Giant Buddhas were cut into cliffs along trade routes, reassuring travellers and marking the way.

Each region reimagined the Buddha according to its own sensibilities. In India and Southeast Asia, the focus remained on Gautama. In China and Tibet, many Buddhas of different schools appeared. Some forms became almost unrecognisable — such as the laughing, pot-bellied Buddha with a sack, a figure of joy and abundance.

In this journey of images, we see how Buddhist art kept pace with philosophy, and together, they shaped how millions imagined the Buddha across centuries and continents.

— The writer is an acclaimed mythologist