The Samadhi Buddha (13) 

Coming from the Twin Ponds towards the Abhayagiri dagaba, you will next find a seated Buddha statue, known as “Samadhi Buddha”. Samadhi is a state of deep meditation, and the Lord Buddha is represented in this position after enlightenment. Fa Hien described another Buddha Image of the Abhayagiri: “There is in it a hall of Buddha adorned with carved and inlaid work of gold and silver and rich with the seven precious substances, in which there is an image in green jade more than twenty cubits in height, and having an appearance of solemn dignity which words cannot express.”

This limestone image was probably originally under a Bodhi tree, as one of the four statues facing the cardinal directions. The remains of the other sculptures can be seen back to back with it. It probably dates to the 3^rd century, but the nose is a modern restoration. The Indian nationalist leader, Nehru, derived strength from contemplating this statue, during his imprisonment by the British.