In early Buddhist art between the 3rd century BCE and 1st century CE, the empty seat or vacant throne symbolised the spiritual presence and enlightenment of the Buddha without depicting him in human form.
Known as the Vajrasana or “Diamond Throne,” the symbol represented the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. Early Buddhist sculptors used such symbolic representations—called aniconic symbols—instead of direct human images of the Buddha. The vacant throne allowed devotees to conceptually visualise the Buddha’s enlightened state and sacred presence.
APSC Relevance: Buddhist art, symbolism and ancient Indian religious traditions.
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