The Reclining Buddha of Angkor Thom and Khmer Buddhist Art

In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore a lesser-known masterpiece of Khmer religious art: the Reclining Buddha of Angkor Thom. Carved in the late 12th century under Jayavarman VII, this monumental sandstone sculpture—over 20 meters long—rests at Preah Khan temple, symbolizing the Buddha's parinirvana. Lucas explains how its creation reflects the empire's shift from Hindu devaraja cults to Mahayana Buddhism, and how the sculpture's iconography (including a lotus throne and grieving disciples) blends local Khmer aesthetics with Indian and Chinese influences. They also discuss its rediscovery in the 20th century by French archaeologists, its fragile condition due to looting and weather, and what it reveals about the spiritual life of Angkor's citizens. The episode touches on the Greater Angkor Project's conservation efforts, the symbolism of the reclining pose in Buddhist art, and how the sculpture avoided destruction during Jayavarman VIII's Hindu backlash. Finally, Lucas and Luna reflect on how the Reclining Buddha survives as a quiet witness to Angkor's transformation. #KhmerEmpire #AngkorThom #PreahKhan #RecliningBuddha #JayavarmanVII #MahayanaBuddhism #Parinirvana #CambodianArt #BuddhistSculpture #GreaterAngkorProject #FrenchArchaeology #SoutheastAsianHistory #KhmerArt #AngkorWat #BuddhistIconography #Conservation #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo