Ajanta Buddhist Caves of India (video)

Madras Documentary Co, 9/16; Dhr. Seven, Pat Macpherson (eds.), Wisdom Quarterly Wiki edit

British architect James Fergusson 1945 drawing of one rock cut chamber in Cave 19.

Ajanta: The History and Mystery

Ajanta Caves, Maharashtra state, India - In the midst of breathtaking beauty, surrounded by the magnificence of nature, Buddhist monastics or visitors from space (akasha-loka devas) must have devoted their lives to the Shakyamuni Buddha.

Stupa, columns, high ceilings all cut out of rock

He was their fully awakened teacher, and they spent their lives in quiet meditation and systematic contemplation, making a virtue of simplicity, soon becoming an integral part of the awe-inspiring environment.

It takes but a moment to enter these caves, to close one's eyes and conjure up the aura of all that has gone on here. Listen to the chanting monastics. Watch the murals and sculptures come alive under the magical fingers of gifted artisans. Feel the touch of Nature and brush up against the past.

It took the conviction of generations and efforts of centuries to create these caves. We owe it to unknown artists to study their works with the reverence they deserve.

Who, what, where, when, why?

Theravada monks pay homage inside (wiki).

(Wiki) The Ajanta Caves are approximately 30 rock-cut Buddhist cave monuments that are thought to date from the 2nd century BCE to about 480 CE in Aurangabad district of Maharashtra state of India.

The caves include exquisite paintings and rock-cut sculptures that are among the finest surviving examples of ancient Indian art, particularly expressive paintings that present emotion through gesture, pose, and form.

According to UNESCO the masterpieces of this world heritage site are Buddhist religious art that influenced the Indian art that followed.

The caves were built in two phases, the first phase starting around the 2nd century BCE, second phase around 400–650 CE, according to older accounts, or in a brief period of 460–480 CE. More