Buddha Statues & Gestures: October Exhibition at Skiptvet Library
Featuring: The Buddha Retreats in Parileyyaka Forest Posture — A symbol of the seeking of peace, inner calm, and refuge away from social discord and pointless squabbling.
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 October, we feature the The Buddha retreat in Parileyyaka Forest Posture. It stands as a profound symbol representing the seeking of peace, inner calm, and refuge away from social discord and pointless squabbling.
Understanding the Physical Characteristics: The Buddha in Paileyyaka Forest Posture
Anatomy of Paileyyaka Posture
The Buddha is depicted in a seated posture on a rock with both feet resting on a lotus blossom (in the Pralambanapadasana / European-style seated posture). His torso is upright, calm, and composed.
Hands: His left hand rests palm up on his knee in a gesture of receiving offerings. His right hand rests palm down on his right knee.
Accompanying Elements: The elephant Palilayaka stands or kneels in front of the Buddha offering a water vessel, while a monkey holds a honeycomb to offer to the Buddha.
Origin the Buddha Retreats in Paileyyaka Forest
When the Buddha was residing at Ghositarama in the city of Kosambi, a conflict arose between two monks over a minor rule of monastic discipline, which eventually split the monastic community into two opposing factions. Even though the Buddha personally intervened three times to warn them and explain the dangers of discord, the monks refused to reconcile.
Recognizing that these stubborn and unteachable monks were not acting in accordance with the Dhamma and Vinaya, the Buddha withdrew from the community to seek quiet solitude, dwelling alone beneath a large Sal tree in the Paileyyaka Forest.
In that forest, the Palilayaka Elephant, who had grown weary of living in a crowded herd, came to attend upon the Buddha, regularly bringing him fresh drinking water, bathing water, and wild fruits. Witnessing the elephant's devotion, a monkey felt deeply inspired and brought a honeycomb to present as an offering to the Buddha. When the Buddha accepted the offering, the monkey was filled with immense joy and leaped excitedly among the tree branches. A branch broke, causing the monkey to fall onto a sharp stake, where he died instantly. Owing to his pure and devoted mind, the monkey was reborn as a deity in the Tavatimsa heaven.
This period of rainy season retreat spent in the Paileyyaka Forest became a significant milestone highlighting the Buddha’s preference for peaceful solitude. In honor of this event, Buddhists later created the image known as the "Paileyyaka Posture"
Dhamma Contemplation
Venerating the Buddha retreats in Parileyyaka Forest image is not merely about asking for blessings of peace and tranquility, but serves as a reminder for Buddhists to reflect upon and apply the Buddha's conduct to their daily lives:
Seeking Quiet Solitude:
Knowing when to step away from unnecessary conflicts and distractions that do not benefit the mind.
Cultivating Loving-Kindness:
The Buddha's boundless compassion could touch and calm the hearts of all living beings in nature.
Making Merit with a Pure Mind:
Even animals, when performing acts of generosity with a pure and joyful heart, reap immense spiritual rewards.
📍 Location: Skiptvet Library, Storveien 31A, 1816 Skiptvet
📅 Date: 1 – 31 October 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.
