Tough Buddhas

Like the monumental yakshas and images of warrior kings, these early standing Buddhas are massive—in some cases more than eleven feet tall. They also share with the burly yakshas that preceded them wide-open eyes, broad shoulders, muscular arms, sumo-wrestler tummies, and powerful chests. They are altogether different figures from the later images of the sensitive meditating Buddha, cross-legged and eyes downcast, with which we are familiar.

• William Dalrymple, “Vibrant, Cacophonous Buddhism” - New York Review of Books (link)