The famous 8th century Indian teacher and scholar Śāntideva is depicted in three-quarter profile seated on ornamented cushions. His right hand is raised to the chest arguing (vitarkamudrā), while the left holds a manuscript. He wears monastic garments and a paṇḍita cap with lifted ear-flaps. Close to him stands a large alms bowl on the left and a treasure basket to the right. He is surrounded by monks in all four corners. The lifted ear-flaps of his cap may indicate stories told about him that he could fly.