The Throne
is usually thought of as the special seat of a king or queen. Having a throne for Gotama shows his importance, and places enlightenment as ruler of the spiritual world. As a symbol, the throne may be a simple stone block or an elaborately carved chair with cushion and footstool, decorated with royal lions. A lotus often serves as the throne for Buddha statues (pages 6, 11 & 15). Before Buddha statues were made an empty throne was often used to symbolise the Buddha and the possibility of enlightenment. On this limestone carving the Buddha's son, Rahula, is being presented to his father (symbolised here by the empty throne). Standing just to the left of the throne Rahula has his hands in anjali (page 33) as a gesture of respect. Can you see the footprints in front of the throne? Behind the throne is a pillar, with a symbol of the wheel and the Three Refuges on top.