China: Sakyamuni expounding the Lotus Sutra. Hanging scroll painting, Mogao Caves, Dunhuang, 8th-9th century. The Sakyamuni Buddha is shown flanked by disciples teaching the Lotus Sutra on 'Vulture Peak'. Siddartha Gautama, also known as Śākyamuni ('Sage of the Śākyas'), is the primary figure in Buddhism, and accounts of his life, discourses, and monastic rules are believed by Buddhists to have been summarised after his death and memorised by his followers. Various collections of teachings attributed to him were passed down by oral tradition, and committed to writing about 400 years later.

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Size: 3400px × 5269px
Photo credit: © Pictures From History / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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