The Image Of Buddha

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The Image Of Buddha
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Distinctive Features of Buddha

• Ushnisha
• Urna
• Ears
• Feet
• Swastika
• Wheel
• Mudras

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Ushnisha

• The Ushnisha is one of the 32 marks of a great
  being.
• It is the cranial bump of Buddha.
• It represents his superior wisdom

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Urna

• The Urna is the dot on Buddhas forehead.
• It is thought to have been a tuft of hair or a
  third eye.
• It represents inner vision and the power to
  illuminate the world with his teachings.

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Ears

• Buddha is depicted with elongated earlobes.
• This reflects the fact that he was a prince
  before becoming the Buddha and therefore was
  adorned with jewelry as was custom for the time.
• The ears can also symbolize Buddhas ability to
  hear the cries of suffering of humanity.

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Buddhas Feet

• Buddha was said to be able to walk immediately
  after birth.
• Imprinted on his feet were spoked wheels.
• In his footsteps, Lotus flowers blossomed.

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Swastika

• Today the Swastika represents the Nazi party,
  however it is an ancient symbol that stands for
  peace.
• It was said to have adorned Buddhas body and can
  often be seen on his feet, hands, and chest.

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Wheel

• The wheel of the law or Dharma Chakra represents
  the teachings of Buddha.
• Buddha was said to have been imprinted with
  wheels on his hands and feet.

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Mudras

• Mudras are the various hand poses seen on images
  of Buddha around the world.
• Each Mudra conveys a unique message and meaning

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Mudras
Abhaya Mudra (Fearlessness) The gesture of
fearlessness and protection, representing
spiritual power. This mudra is most often seen in
standing Buddhas.
Vitarka Mudra (discussion, debate, teaching)
This one handed gesture represents the Buddha
talking, debating and teaching.
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Mudras

• Dharmachakra (wheel turning)
• Incorporates two vitarkas (or one vitarka and
  one hand held still in the lap)
• Represents the Buddhas first sermon

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Mudras

• Varada Mudra (Gift Giving)
• The gesture of gift-giving or bestowal.
• Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth Witness)
• The gesture of "earth witness," which the Buddha
  is said to have made at the time of his
  Enlightenment.

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Mudras

• Dhyana Mudra (Meditation)
• The gesture of meditation.

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Buddhas around the world
Yunnan, China
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Buddha near Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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Wat Mahathat, Sukothai, Thailand
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Reclining Buddha, Penang,
Malaysia
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Da FO (Grand Buddha), Leshan, Sichuan, China
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Monumental Buddha image, Wat Si Chum. Sukothai,
Thailand
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Buddha images in Wat Chai Mongkon, swathed
in sacred cloth as a sign of
reverence. Ayuthaya, Thailand
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Different Interpretations

• Was Buddha skinny or was he fat?
• The emaciated Buddha is one representation.
• The plump Buddha is from the Tang Dynasty in
  China.

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Destroyed Buddha of Bamyan,
Afghanistan
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Laughing Buddha, Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou,
China
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Wat Phra Mahatha, Ayuthaya, Thailand
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Kamakura, Japan
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Smiling Buddha face, Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat
Temple Complex, Cambodia
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Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda, lying Buddha
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Mucalinda Buddha, Laos
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Vinh Ngiem pagoda. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Great Stupa, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Wild Goose Pagoda,
Xian, China
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Buddhist Pagoda, Kyoto, Japan
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Tashi Gomang Stupa, Tibet