~ sacred sites ~

The Buddha's Bo Tree at Sarnath, nr Varanasi, India

Oil on Canvas - (80cm x 112cm)

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below is an excerpt from the book to be an artist - order your copy now - see price guide

"Near to Varanasi is Sarnath where Buddha gave his first sermon and to mark the spot is an interesting tree. Setting off to reach it early morning by rickshaw in order to avoid the worst of the midday heat while travelling, for both me and driver, I was to see this Bodhi or as often referred ‘Bo’ tree. Under a Bo tree a few miles from Sarnath at Bodhgaya two and a half thousand years ago the ascetic prince Siddartha attained enlightenment while sat recovering from six years of hardship, to then become Buddha. A sapling from that tree got cultivated in Sri Lanka and eventually, in turn, a cutting taken from it was then tilled here at Sarnath, this tree now. This living link with the spiritual history of the world continues to flourish surrounded by temples including the impressive Dhamekh Stupa. This tree would be basis for a painting for my project gaining shape everyday."