A Buddha Nirvana thangka shows the parinirvana: the death and final passing of Shakyamuni Buddha, at the age of eighty, at Kushinagar in northern India. For Buddhists it is not a scene of tragedy but of completion: the Buddha passing beyond the cycle of birth and death.
How the scene is shown
- The Buddha lies on his right side, his head resting on his right hand, calm, with his eyes closed or half-closed.
- Two sal trees stand at his head and feet; in the story they flowered out of season.
- Mourners gather around him: disciples, monks, gods and animals. Some are calm, having understood impermanence; others weep.
- His disciple Ananda is often shown grieving close to him.
Where it fits
The parinirvana is the last of the great events of the Buddha's life, and it also appears as one scene among many in Buddha Life Story thangkas. Our guide to Shakyamuni Buddha covers how he is shown in life.
In a painting
Look for a long, graceful line in the reclining figure, a peaceful face, and expressive mourners.
