By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist
Buddhist art has a history of over 2,000 years. During this time, it goes through many phases, revealing the transformations in Buddhist thought. In the earliest Buddhist art, Buddha is not represented. In fact, his presence is indicated by his absence, using various symbols such as a turban, a tree and his footprints. It was believed, in the early days, a great figure, who has attained nirvana (oblivion), should not be represented in art. After all, he already wiped out his mortal identity by his penance.
