The Conversion and Ordination of Nanda

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

This panel tells the story of the conversion of the Buddha's half-brother, Nanda. He was initially skeptical of joining the Buddhist order, wanting to instead remain with his beautiful wife. Through discussion and ultimately a miraculous flight over the Himalayas to the heaven of Indra, the Buddha was able to convince him to join the monastic order.

Asian Art

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Met's collection of Asian art—more than 35,000 objects, ranging in date from the third millennium B.C. to the twenty-first century—is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the world. Each of the many civilizations of Asia is represented by outstanding works, providing an unrivaled experience of the artistic traditions of nearly half the world.

Metropolitan Museum of Art