2-733-682 - Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Leaf from a Jain Manuscript: Kalpa-sutra: The Monk Gautama, Enthroned (recto), 1279. The text on this rare, early manuscript page tells of the birth of Mahavira, but the painting is that of a monk, seated in the yogic posture of meditation and making the gesture of recitation and discourse with his right hand. He wears a white robe, and lying over his shoulders is a broom that he would use to sweep the ground before him as he walks, to ensure he does not inadvertently harm a tiny creature. Strict adherence to nonviolence is a major tenet of the Jain religion.