Theravāda Buddhism

16 Sep 2024 — 9 Mar 2025 at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, United Kingdom

11 November 2024

Reclining Buddha, a pose which is sometimes used to depict the death of Siddhattha Gotama. Sculptures made of alabaster became popular and were made in large quantities in mid-19th Myanmar, A.1869.17. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

Reclining Buddha, a pose which is sometimes used to depict the death of Siddhattha Gotama. Sculptures made of alabaster became popular and were made in large quantities in mid-19th Myanmar, A.1869.17. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

This thought-provoking display charts the history and influence of the Theravāda Buddhist tradition across the world, including its role in Scotland today.

The Theravāda tradition is one of the oldest forms of Buddhism. As one of the two main branches of the faith, it remains strong in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

The display includes a Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. The Buddha was designed and made in Thailand in 2013, then later gifted to Temple where it is now used in their garden meditation room. The image takes inspiration from the Phra Phuttha Chinnarat (Great Victorious Buddha), one of the most revered Buddha images in Thailand.

Alongside the loan are 40 objects from the South and Southeast Asian collection, dating from the 2nd century AD to the present day. They include amulets, relics, statues, and votive offerings, all of which were and are used by Buddhists in their everyday religious practice.

A set of 19th century spinning gongs from Myanmar are also on display. Audio recordings of the gongs provide visitors with a sensory experience, representative of the sound of visiting a temple. The gongs are played by Ewan Millar, percussion student at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

National Museum of Scotland

National Museum of Scotland

At National Museums Scotland, we care for collections of national and international importance, preserving them, interpreting them and making them accessible to as many people as possible.

Location

Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Silver Buddha seated in earth witness pose. A thin sheet of silver is wrapped around a clay core, giving the illusion of a more expensive product. The more valuable the offering, the greater the puñña (merit or virtue) accrued. Myanmar, 18th-19th century, A.1911.478. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

The Buddha continued to meditate for seven weeks after his awakening. In the sixth week there was a rainstorm and the nāga (serpent) king Muchalinda sheltered him with his hood. Depicted here in bronze, from Sri Lanka, 11th century, A.1901.268.41. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

Silver Buddha seated in earth witness pose. A thin sheet of silver is wrapped around a clay core, giving the illusion of a more expensive product. The more valuable the offering, the greater the puñña (merit or virtue) accrued. Myanmar, 18th-19th century, A.1911.478. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland
Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland
The Buddha continued to meditate for seven weeks after his awakening. In the sixth week there was a rainstorm and the nāga (serpent) king Muchalinda sheltered him with his hood. Depicted here in bronze, from Sri Lanka, 11th century, A.1901.268.41. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

Buddha on loan from The Dhammapadipa Temple in Edinburgh. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland
The Buddha continued to meditate for seven weeks after his awakening. In the sixth week there was a rainstorm and the nāga (serpent) king Muchalinda sheltered him with his hood. Depicted here in bronze, from Sri Lanka, 11th century, A.1901.268.41. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland
Silver Buddha seated in earth witness pose. A thin sheet of silver is wrapped around a clay core, giving the illusion of a more expensive product. The more valuable the offering, the greater the puñña (merit or virtue) accrued. Myanmar, 18th-19th century, A.1911.478. Courtesy of National Museum of Scotland

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