The different transmission lineages

Since the time of the Buddha many styles of painting have developed with diverse influences which have given rise to different transmission lineages.

It is said that the first painted image of the Buddha originated in the region of Magadha in India. The story behind this painting is that there were two kings - Utrayana and Bimbisara who enjoyed exchanging gifts. One day Bimbisara received from his ally a priceless jewel. In return he had the idea to offer a portrait of the Buddha Shakyamuni who was the master of both of them. The artist commissioned to do this work was so overawed by the Muni's presence that, when painting, he could not look at him directly.

Therefore the Buddha proposed that they go to a lakeside where the artist could paint looking at the reflection in the water. The finished painting was surrounded by motifs depicting the twelve interdependent causes.

It is said that on his first glance at the painting King Utrayana had a glimpse of the nature of mind. This power of an image to act as a vehicle of enlightened awareness has remained the principle reason behind all sacred art. Certain ancient schools have sometimes been reticent towards depicting the enlightened one's body since they perceive this to be a sort of contradiction. Their view is that having exhausted all his karmic tendencies the Buddha should no longer be represented by a form. Consequently one sometimes finds nothing other than his footprints in order to suggest his presence through the representation of his acts.