The serene and magnificent Buddha sculpture made of Black schist stone is one of the masterpieces of the Gandhara art of the National Museum at Janpath. It belongs to the Kushana Dynasty and dates back to 2 CE (as per the National Museum Publication) / 5 CE (as per the caption inside the museum). The sculpture is 112cm in height, 39 cm in width and 17 cm deep. It is currently on display in the Kushana- Ishkvaku Gallery in the National Museum.

The Kushanas were the most powerful rulers after the Shungas in North India. Their empire extended far beyond the frontiers of present-day India, extending from Central Asia through the territory of modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan to beyond Mathura in India. Buddhism was an important religion in Gandhara since its introduction during the reign of the Mauryan king Ashoka.

This sculpture of Buddha, made of schist stone is typical of the Gandharan style. Among the first things one would notice is how the Buddha is clothed in a long flowing Sanghati loosely placed on the body with its heavy folds sculpted to perfection. This choice of clothing hints at the fact that the Buddha in this sculpture represents a region where the weather is cold and frosty. The right hand, which is lost or broken at the moment, is believed to have been in ‘Abhay Mudra’ which translates to ‘no fear’ pose wherein the Buddha is reassuring his devotees of the ultimate salvation or redemption which stands to be gained if the middle path is followed. In his left hand, he holds one end of the garment he is draped in, highlighting the forward movement of his stance, indicated by his lifted left knee. His eyes are closed and inward looking. He has a peaceful face with a very sharp nose which is a physical feature common amongst the people of erstwhile Gandhara, which stands as an ode to the notion of creating God in the image of man. His hair is curly and tied up into a bun called usnisa. He has an Urna (mark) on his forehead which is a spiral or circular mark believed to be auspicious.

Urna is also believed to symbolize the third eye which in turn hints at divinity or higher consciousness. the halo behind his head is another symbol of divinity, and lastly, his elongated ears can be recognized as a mahapurush lakshan (quality of an extraordinary man).

Buddhism as a philosophy is understood to be a path, a way of life that is believed to transform a person since it is linked to achieving salvation (breaking away from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth) The core of the Buddha's teachings lies in four noble truths according to which all life is suffering, the cause of suffering is ignorant desire, this desire can be destroyed, the means to this is the Eightfold Path.

The Buddha is supposed to have been born with 32 mahapurusha lakshana (qualities of a great man) including the usnisa and possession of forty teeth.