The Buddhas of Three times

Joost Horsthuis

The Buddhas of Three times – past, present and future – are represented by Dipankara, Shakyamuni and Metreiya. This incredibly beautiful Dipankara, who is said to have lived 100.000 years ago, is somewhat tucked away between shops and electrical wire on the Swayambhunath premises. It’s barely noticed by most visitors, but it’s a masterpiece. Cut out of one piece, it’s some 13 centuries old, and hasn’t lost a bit of it’s sheer radiance. I find its presence deeply moving, today it gripped me more than ever before. I’m glad it survived, as did most of Swayambhu, including the monkeys, feasting on blooming ipoemoea. Good to see the place is cleaned up now, too.