The Image Of BuddhaThe Image Of Buddha

Distinctive Features of Distinctive Features of BuddhaBuddha

UshnishaUshnisha UrnaUrna EarsEars FeetFeet SwastikaSwastika WheelWheel MudrasMudras

UshnishaUshnisha

The Ushnisha is one The Ushnisha is one of the 32 marks of a of the 32 marks of a great being.great being.

It is the cranial bump It is the cranial bump of Buddha.of Buddha.

It represents his It represents his superior wisdomsuperior wisdom

UrnaUrna

The Urna is the dot The Urna is the dot on Buddha’s on Buddha’s forehead.forehead.

It is thought to have It is thought to have been a tuft of hair or a been a tuft of hair or a “third eye”.“third eye”.

It represents inner It represents inner vision and the power vision and the power to illuminate the world to illuminate the world with his teachings.with his teachings.

EarsEars

Buddha is depicted with Buddha is depicted with elongated earlobes.elongated earlobes.

This reflects the fact that This reflects the fact that he was a prince before he was a prince before becoming the Buddha becoming the Buddha and therefore was and therefore was adorned with jewelry as adorned with jewelry as was custom for the time.was custom for the time.

The ears can also The ears can also symbolize Buddha’s symbolize Buddha’s ability to hear the cries of ability to hear the cries of suffering of humanity.suffering of humanity.

Buddha’s FeetBuddha’s Feet

Buddha was said to Buddha was said to be able to walk be able to walk immediately after immediately after birth.birth.

Imprinted on his feet Imprinted on his feet were spoked wheels.were spoked wheels.

In his footsteps, Lotus In his footsteps, Lotus flowers blossomed.flowers blossomed.

SwastikaSwastika

Today the Swastika Today the Swastika represents the Nazi represents the Nazi party, however it is an party, however it is an ancient symbol that ancient symbol that stands for peace.stands for peace.

It was said to have It was said to have adorned Buddha’s adorned Buddha’s body and can often body and can often be seen on his feet, be seen on his feet, hands, and chest. hands, and chest.

WheelWheel

The wheel of the law The wheel of the law or Dharma Chakra or Dharma Chakra represents the represents the teachings of Buddha.teachings of Buddha.

Buddha was said to Buddha was said to have been imprinted have been imprinted with wheels on his with wheels on his hands and feet.hands and feet.

MudrasMudras

Mudras are the Mudras are the various hand poses various hand poses seen on images of seen on images of Buddha around the Buddha around the world.world.

Each Mudra conveys Each Mudra conveys a unique message a unique message and meaningand meaning

MudrasMudrasAbhaya 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.

MudrasMudras

Dharmachakra (wheel Dharmachakra (wheel turning)turning)

Incorporates two Incorporates two vitarkas (or one vitarkas (or one vitarka and one hand vitarka and one hand held still in the lap)held still in the lap)

Represents the Represents the Buddha’s first sermonBuddha’s first sermon

MudrasMudras

Varada Mudra Varada Mudra (Gift Giving) (Gift Giving)

The gesture of gift-giving or bestowal.

Bhumisparsha Mudra Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth Witness) (Earth Witness)

The gesture of "earth witness," which the Buddha is said to have made at the time of his Enlightenment.

MudrasMudras

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

Buddhas around the worldBuddhas around the world

Yunnan, China

Buddha near Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Wat Mahathat, Sukothai, Thailand

Reclining Buddha, Penang, Malaysia

Da FO (Grand Buddha), Leshan, Sichuan, China

Monumental Buddha image, Wat Si Chum. Sukothai, Thailand

Buddha images in Wat Chai Mongkon, swathed in sacred cloth as a sign of reverence. Ayuthaya, Thailand

Different InterpretationsDifferent Interpretations

Was Buddha skinny Was Buddha skinny or was he fat?or was he fat?

The emaciated The emaciated Buddha is one Buddha is one representation.representation.

The “plump” Buddha The “plump” Buddha is from the T’ang is from the T’ang Dynasty in China.Dynasty in China.

Destroyed Buddha of Bamyan, Afghanistan

Laughing Buddha, Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou, China

Wat Phra Mahatha, Ayuthaya, Thailand

Kamakura, Japan

Smiling Buddha face, Bayon Temple, Angkor Wat Temple Complex, Cambodia

Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda, lying Buddha

Mucalinda Buddha, Laos

Vinh Ngiem pagoda. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Great Stupa, Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India

Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an, China

Buddhist Pagoda, Kyoto, Japan

Tashi Gomang Stupa, Tibet