The Many Faces of Buddha

Buddhism, practiced in many different ways…

…is also represented by many different images of the Buddha.

Founder of Buddhism’s real name : Siddhartha Gutama

Buddha = sanskrit “One who has awakened, enlightened)

Born c. 600 B.C. on northeast Ganges River plain

Siddhartha Gutama’s father was a local council leader of the Brahmin class; his mother, Maya, died shortly after the Buddha’s birth.

Upon his birth, it is said that Siddhartha stood up and walked seven steps.

His father was warned by astronomers that the boy would either become a conqueror or great teacher.

Leading a life of luxury, Buddha left his home only four times during his youth, but those trips were highly influential.

Each of the four trips introduced him to different aspects of human life: sickness, old age, death, and the life of priestly meditation.

At 29 years old, Siddhartha left his new wife and young son to experience the real world.

He attempted to lead a life of poverty, fasting frequently. (Tradition says he existed on one grain of rice a day.)

But after six years, upon sitting under a Bodi tree, he experienced his past lives…

Buddhist literature tells of Buddha re-living the many past lives while meditating under the tree…

…a total of 357 human lives, 123 as an animal life-form…

Each life revealed the truths about the Law of Karma…

Buddha’s teachings: based upon the “Law of Causation”

“Everything happening in the world is a natural product of cause and effect relationships. Nothing happens randomly.”

Buddha accepted the Hindu beliefs of karma and reincarnation, however there was no role for gods. Salvation = through one’s own efforts.

“If you desire something good to happen in your future, then you should practice good deeds now.”

Religious texts contain the Buddha’s sermons which discuss the causes of suffering and the mental disciplines needed to escape.

Buddha preached about the “Middle Path” between two extremes of self- indulgence and austerity.

Buddha’s example of living was based on direct experience with life, combined with meditation.

The Eightfold Paths: Right Views Right Aspirations Right Speech Right Conduct Right Livelihood Right Endeavor Right Mindfulness Right Meditation

Buddhists’ good deeds can include: *entering into the monastery,

Dali Lama… living reincarnation of Buddha today

*commemorating holidays

*making donations to monks

Do Buddhists worship the image of Buddha?

The images remind people of significant moments in Buddha’s life or lessons from his teachings.

Buddhists use images of Buddha merely as an educational tool…

Elaborate temples have been built for private worship…

Many Buddhists bring images to monasteries to be blessed…

Respect is offered to images (fruit, cakes, flowers, or money) in hopes of returned good fortune.

Roadside shrines dot the countryside…

(Clay votive from roadside shrine, Korea)

Monumental images (Afghanistan)

(images destroyed by Taliban rule in Afghanistan)

Symbolism in worship… incense (purify, pleasant offering)

…horns to draw attention to prayers

Chanting, drums to call attention to offerings…

Buddha’s teachings also formed the groundwork for the wheel of life; a visual aid in teaching about the cycle of all human and animal existence, still used today.

The wheel represents not only the phases of all human life…

…but the six heavens (from Hindu beliefs)

…and eight hells into which Buddhists dread reincarnation.

…And the Buddhist idea of hell is not one of torment, but a place from which one may ascend through good deeds.

Nirvana is not found anywhere on the wheel; it is attainable only outside all life existence.

(Enormous wheels of life, Buddhist temple)

(hand-held wheel of life, China)

Examining the Many Faces of Buddha

Generally, all images of Buddha possess similar elements:

A flame-like protrusion from the top of the head is used to symbolize Buddha’s endless, radiant, spiritual energy.

* All fingers/toes are the same lengths (human equality?)

* Head or forehead: wide or protrudes (great mental powers)

* Earlobes are elongated (former wealthy status, earrings of gold?)

For example, the manner in which the Buddha’s hands are portrayed represent different messages.

Teaching (hands to chest, thumb and index finger touching)

Granting a Blessing (outward palm offered

Calling the Earth to Witness (one palm down)

Prayer (palms clasped together)

Meditation (hands resting together on lap)

Fearlessness (arm upright, palm full front)

Passage to Nirvana (reclining Buddha)

The “footprint” represents Buddha’s impact of the world…

The “urna” (third eye) is a traditional marking on some images…

… symbolizing “inner vision” or “inner sight”

…also known as Guan Yin (China)

“Laughing Buddha”

(incarnation of Buddha in the future)

brings wealth and good fortune

Detecting Symbolism and Meaning in Images…