Transcript The Image Of Buddha

The Image Of Buddha
Distinctive Features of
Buddha
 Ushnisha
 Urna
 Ears
 Feet
 Swastika
 Wheel
 Mudras
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
Urna

The Urna is the dot
on Buddha’s
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.
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 Buddha’s
ability to hear the cries of
suffering of humanity.
Buddha’s 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.
Swastika

Today the Swastika
represents the Nazi
party, however it is an
ancient symbol that
stands for peace.
 It was said to have
adorned Buddha’s
body and can often
be seen on his feet,
hands, and chest.
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.
Mudras

Mudras are the
various hand poses
seen on images of
Buddha around the
world.
 Each Mudra conveys
a unique message
and meaning
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.
Mudras

Dharmachakra (wheel
turning)
 Incorporates two
vitarkas (or one
vitarka and one hand
held still in the lap)
 Represents the
Buddha’s first sermon
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.
Mudras

Dhyana Mudra (Meditation)
 The gesture of meditation.
Buddhas 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 Interpretations

Was Buddha skinny
or was he fat?
 The emaciated
Buddha is one
representation.
 The “plump” Buddha
is from the T’ang
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