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 Matthew Schulte
I'm Matthew Schulte and this is the Owsley moment. Brought to you by the David Owsley Museum of Art, the Ball State School of Art and IPR.

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 Matthew Schulte
In the Asian Gallery at the David Owsley Museum of Art, a seated Buddha meditates behind glass. The Buddha's clothing and body position indicate that this is the historical Buddha Shakyamuni Buddha, formerly known as Prince Siddartha Gautama, he wears a simple monk's robe that falls to the ground. The Buddha's legs are crossed at the knees, with the soles of the feet facing upwards, suggesting peace.

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 Matthew Schulte
In a turbulent world, his right hand rests upon his knee and points toward the earth, while his left hand rests in his lap. This mudra, or hand gesture, is called Bhoomi parsha. It represents the moment in the historical Buddha's life when he called upon the earth to witnesses enlightenment. This is when the Buddha realized that extinguishing desire can bring an end to human suffering.

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 Matthew Schulte
On the back of the statue there is a rectangular opening. Relics, mantra slips, incense, and other precious objects could be placed inside to sanctify the statue. Such additions would increase the spiritual power of the object. Many wooden Buddha statues were painted to accentuate their details. The Owsley Museum's Buddha still includes traces of red pigment and gilding.

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 Matthew Schulte
We'd like to thank Ball State student Breyanne Urbin for her research.

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Credit
Find more information and listen to Past Moments online at Indiana Public Radio. Dot Owsley Moment. And to learn more about the David Owsley Museum of Art, visit BSU Edu slash DOMA.