Buddha Statues & Gestures: August Exhibition at Skiptvet Library
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Featuring: The First Sermon Posture / (Dhammacakka mudra) — A symbol of "Turning the Wheel of Dhamma" and the first proclamation of the Noble Truths for liberation from suffering.
Continuing our journey through Buddhist art and teachings, Skiptvet Monastery and Skiptvet Library are delighted to invite you to explore our exhibition for the month of August. This time corresponds with the 8th lunar month, the traditional period of Asalha Puja (commemorating the Buddha's first sermon).
For this August, we feature the First Sermon Pose—known internationally in Buddhist iconography as the Dharmachakra Mudra. It stands as a profound symbol representing the beginning of the Dhamma teachings and the complete establishment of the Triple Gem in the world.
Understanding the Physical Characteristics: (First Sermon/ Dhammacakka Mudra)
Anatomy of the First Sermon Posture:
The Buddha image is in a seated position, cross-legged in the "full lotus" meditation style.
Hands: The right hand is raised to chest level with the index finger and thumb touching to form a circle, symbolizing the Wheel of Dhamma. The left hand rests open on the lap or gently supports or rests near the right hand.
Legs: Crossed in the full lotus posture, with the left foot resting on the right thigh and the right foot resting over the left thigh.
Origin and the Proclamation of the Dhamma
On the full moon day of the 8th lunar month at the Deer Park in Sarnath, India, the Buddha delivered his very first sermon titled the Dhammajakkapavattana Sutta to his five former companions (the Five Disciples). Key teachings included:
Avoiding Two Extremes: Abstaining from self-indulgence (Kāmasukhallikānuyoga) and self-mortification (Attakilamathānuyoga).
The Middle Way (Majjhimā Paṭipadā): Following the Noble Eightfold Path.
The Four Noble Truths: The fundamental truths regarding Suffering (Dukkha), the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya), the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha), and the Path to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga).
Upon hearing the sermon, Kondañña (later known as Aññā Kondañña) attained spiritual insight (Stream-entry) and requested ordination, becoming the first monk in Buddhism and completing the Triple Gem (Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha) for the first time.
Artistic Heritage and Beliefs
Historical Prototype: The iconic prototype originates from Gupta Art (c. 4th–6th Century CE) discovered at Sarnath, India. Recognized for its exquisite elegance, it became the benchmark for Dharmachakra Mudra statues across Central Asia and Southeast Asia (such as Dvaravati art in Thailand).
Associated Elements: In the iconic prototype, at the base of the throne, representations of the Wheel of Dhamma (Dhamachakka) flanked by two deer are commonly sculpted, sometimes alongside the Five Disciples (Pañcavaggīya) with hands folded in prayer (añjali).
Cultural Beliefs: Created to commemorate the Buddha's inaugural sermon to mankind, traditional Thai belief also associates this image as the Buddha statue representing the 8th lunar month (and historically used in rain-making ceremonies under the name Gandharara).
We warmly invite everyone interested in art, history, and philosophy to view and study the First Sermon Buddha statue throughout August at Skiptvet Library.
📍 Location: Skiptvet Library, Storveien 31A, 1816 Skiptvet
📅 Date: 1 – 31 August 2026
🕒 Opening Hours*:
Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Join us to explore the deep symbolism and peace behind these sacred gestures.
*Please visit the Skiptvet Library website for the latest updates.
