The earlier Buddhist sculptures had shied away from depicting the image of the Buddha, except through such symbols as

Footprints
The Bodhi Tree
Stupas
All of the above

The correct answer is D. All of the above.

Early Buddhist sculptures did not depict the image of the Buddha, except through such symbols as footprints, the Bodhi tree, and stupas. This is because the Buddha taught that the goal of Buddhism is to achieve enlightenment, and that the physical form is not important. Instead, Buddhists should focus on the Buddha’s teachings and on achieving enlightenment themselves.

Footprints are a common symbol of the Buddha because they represent his journey to enlightenment. The Bodhi tree is the tree under which the Buddha sat when he achieved enlightenment. Stupas are monuments that are built to commemorate the Buddha’s life and teachings.

The use of these symbols instead of a physical image of the Buddha is a way of emphasizing the importance of the Buddha’s teachings and of the goal of enlightenment. It is also a way of respecting the Buddha’s teaching that the physical form is not important.