Abstract
Abstract A close reading of the absent presence of the Bodhisattva in the Great Renunciation panel from Sanchi scaffolds this chapter. In this extended, penultimate scene prior to his awakening, the young prince Siddhārtha Gautama leaves the luxury of his palace and abandons the significant others who have helped him on the road to awakening. A whole cast of characters, both in this lifetime and through lifetimes past, have helped prepare the Bodhisattva through his dress rehearsals for the final act of awakening. The Bodhisattva sees things (such as the visions of old age, sickness, death, and renunciation) that prime him for insight. The road to awakening is so often characterized as a solitary endeavor, yet when we soften our sharp focus on the hero buddha-to-be, we recognize the impressive influence of various others on his story and the revealed/revealing work of the buddha blueprint.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
