The Buddha , the 'Enlightened' (strictly speaking: the 'fully awakened') is a person of history; traditionally his life is dated 563 to 483 BC, following recent research he lived from about 450 to about 370 BC.
Departure of the future Buddha
The future Buddha secretly leaves the palace of his father. Heavenly beings support his horse's hoofs to avoid noise.
Ta Prohm
The future Buddha cutting his hair
After cutting his hair with his sword, the future Buddha dismisses his squire and his horse.
Preah Khan
The assault of Mara
Sitting under a tree the Bodhisattva is meditating until enlightenment. Mara , the God of the Evil, attacks him with his army of monsters.
The Bodhisattva touches the ground with the fingertips of his right hand and calls the Goddess of the Earth to help him. She shall testify that the he has won a wealth of good works in former lives and deserves enlightenment.
The Goddess appears. In her thick hair she has collected water as a symbol of the future Buddha's merits collected in former lives. Wringing her hair the water washes away the assailants. The Bodhisattva can get enlightened.
Wat Chedei, Siem Reap
The future Buddha calling the Earth for witness
Touching the Earth with the finger tips of his right hand, the future Buddha calls the Goddess.
Preah Pithu X was erected after the iconoclasm, here the reliefs of the Buddha are well preserved.
Preah Pithu X
A naga protects the meditating Buddha see Naga
The Buddha entering the Nirvana
At the end of his life the Buddha lays down on his right side, his head to the North, looking to the West. At the end of the night he passes away. He reaches the Nirvana (the total release).
Preah Palilay
