P5 Unit 3
Buddha’s Postures and Images
The origin of the Buddha images
Arts and antiques related with Buddhism have been found in India From the time of King Asoka (232-304 BCE) o 3rd King of Mauryan Dynasty o Faithful to Buddhism o He provided royal support to Buddhism o He declared Buddhism the religion of his kingdom The first statues of Buddha were created after the 1st century CE o Sculptured by artisans in Gandhara(1) . Present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan o Following Greco-Buddhist style(2) o And by artisans in Mathura (N. India) o Later, by artisans in Amravati (C. India)
The Seated Buddha from Gandhara is an early statue of the Buddha discovered at the site of Jamal Garhi in ancient Gandhara, in modern-day Pakistan, that probably dates to the 2nd century AD.
And the first statue (probably like the one above) was also created there, in Gandhara, at the time of King Kanisha (2nd century CE). Kanishka the Great(3), was the emperor of the Kushan dynasty, ruling and empire with its capital in Puruṣapura (province of Gandhara) His conquests and patronage of Buddhism played an important role in the development of the Silk Road, and the transmission of Mahayana Buddhism from Gandhara across the Karakoram Mountain Range to China. The first statues in Gandhara were the work of Greek and Roman artisans o Remember that a few centuries before, there was the immense Greek Empire(4):
Buddha image in different postures
1. Maravijaya posture (Subduing Mara)
The Golden Buddha, Phra Phuttha Maha Suwana Patimakon Wat Traimit, Bangkok, Thailand
Bodhisatta (Buddha before enlightenment) was seating under the Bodhi tree meditating: Trying to achieve Sammasambodhinana (self-enlightenment) When he was disturbed by Mara(5):
The Story of "Subduing Mara": The most common pose for Buddha images in Thailand is the seated image displaying the Bhumisparsha Mudra gesture, more commonly known as the "subduing Mara" pose.
Mara is a demon who attempted to lure the meditating Buddha away from the path of enlightenment. This was, in effect, Mara's "job".
Mara assaulted Siddhartha Gautama with memories of his life back in his palace.
To do so, Mara: Used his armies of lust, desire, hunger and thirst Attempted to lure the young man with his lovely daughters
In a way, Mara is the embodiment of that feeling of self-doubt which is present inside of all of us.
But the former prince was having none of it.
Buddha was deeply focused on his goals.
He extended the fingers of his right hand towards the ground and summoned the earth goddess Thorani(6) to bear witness and help defend him from the attack.
The goddess wrung her long hair, releasing a torrent of water that washed away Mara and his army.
Some Buddha images in this pose also have a small statue of Phra Mae Thorani placed beneath them.
2. Pathomadesana posture (Giving the 1st sermon)
Buddha went to the Deer Park at Isipatana near Varanasi and preached his first sermon to a group of Five Disciples. Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
On the full moon of Asalha(7) (the 8th day of the lunar month), Buddha preached his 1st sermon to the Pancavaggi (5 ascetics).
This 1st sermon was about the Principle of the Middle Path Four noble truths o (M6 P3&P4 page 12) The 4th one is about the Middle Path: Noble Eightfold Path o (M6 P3&P4 page 15) The Noble Eightfold Path o (M6 P3 & P4 page 17) (https://assimacontece.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/m6-period-3-4-buddhism-and-buddha3.pdf)
In resume, the Four Noble Truths acknowledge the existence, the causes of suffering, and present solutions to this problem. And the Noble Eightfold Path can be considered the pack of solutions leading to the cessation of suffering.
At the end of the sermon, Kondanna (a Brahmin) attained enlightenment (became Arhat) and asked for his ordination. (M1 - P6 & P7 page 8) (https://assimacontece.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/m1-period-6-and-7-buddhas-disciples2.pdf)
He became the first Buddhist monk (Bikhu) (M1 - P6 & P7 page 2) (https://assimacontece.files.wordpress.com/2018/06/m1-period-6-and-7-buddhas-disciples2.pdf)
The same day the Triple Gem(8) was completed.
Buddhists take refuge in the Three Jewels or Triple Gem (also known as the "Three Refuges"). The Buddha, the fully enlightened one The Dharma, the teachings expounded by the Buddha The Sangha, the monastic order of Buddhism that practice the Dharma
3. Leela Posture (Walking Buddha)
Buddha walking along with a group of deities and Brahmans, after having descended from Davadueng Heaven. Phutthamonthon Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
The Buddha in this posture has its origin back to Devorohana Day, when: Buddha descended from Davudueng Heaven Along with a group of deities and Brahmins Their procession stopped at the gate of Sankassa City The city where Sariputta (great disciple) took the Buddhist Lent(9) or Rains Retreat: o A retreat that takes place during the 3 months of the wet season
The Buddha’s way of walking was very pleasant for the Buddhists who were welcoming him.
4. Buddha image for each weekday(10)
4.1 Buddha image for Sunday
Description: Phra Paang Tawai Netr(11) Buddha in a standing position Right and left hands placed on the lap The Right hand place over the left hand
This attitude represents the period after Buddha had attained Enlightenment.
After having attained Enlightenment, he sat for seven days under the Boddhi Tree to enjoy Vimottisukha (blissfulness).
During this seven days, Buddha starred at the Sun without blinking his eyes.
It is said he then stood for a longer period in deep meditation
Later, it was decided to place Paang Tawai Netr day on Sunday: Representing Buddha starring at the sun
People born on a Sunday, are supposed to worship Paang Tawai Netr
4.2 Buddha image for Monday Description: Phra Paang Harm Samoot(12) or Phra Ham Yath Buddha pacifying his relatives and the nature In a standing position Right and left hands raised up at the chest level Both palms are stretched out
Buddha preventing his relatives from fighting and preventing natural calamities.
The posture represents the event when Buddha’s paternal and maternal families fought against each other. The father’s relatives were from Papilavathu, and mother’s relatives were from Devadaha. Both families lived on each side of Rohini River. Due to scarcity of water, they were facing difficulties (agricultural). Buddha went to stop his relatives from killing each other.
The origin of this posture goes back the day when Buddha visited the Jatilas (the fire worshippers). They were 3 brothers: Urevelakassapa, Nadikakassapa and Gayakassapa They had 1000 followers To subdue them, Buddha had to show a miracle to eliminate their pride. Buddha avoided the wind, rain, storm and flood from touching his body. And he was able to walk back and forth under the water. His miracle made the Jatilas feel amazed and become his disciples
4.3 Buddha image for Tuesday
Description: Phra Paang Sai Yas(13) (realizing Nirvana) or Phra Asurindrahu (open eyes) or Phra Parinibbana (closed eyes) Buddha lying on the right side Right hand raised to hold up the head Left hand placed on his body Right foot overlapping the right foot
This Sai Yas posture represents the moment Buddha told Cundathera to spread a seat between two Shorea siamensis trees and then he laid down in Sihasaiyas (in a lion posture). There Buddha preached Dharma to Subhadda, the last disciple of Buddha attaining Arhat before Buddha’s Nirvana.
With the death of Buddha, all Buddhist were sad, lamenting and crying in grief. To console them, Anandathera and Anuruddhathere preached Dharma
(Read page 58 for alternative story) 4.4 Buddha image for Wednesday 4.4.1 Daytime Description: Phra Pang Oombaat(14) Buddha holding an alms-bowl Standing posture Left hand holding the alms-bowl Alms-bowl covered by his right hand
From the event of Buddha rising up and levitating thanks to his miraculous powers.
Confronted with this miracle, his relatives abandoned their pride and started to respect Buddha. And Buddha gave them a teaching called Wessantarachadok.
All this happened when, after four years in his ministry, Buddha journeyed to visit his father, younger brother and son.
His father was appalled when Buddha "begged" for food holding an alms-bowl.
Buddha calmed his father informing him that the lineage of Buddha was meant to perform pindabat, that is, to be available to followers who devotedly bring food.
4.4 Buddha image for Wednesday 4.4.2 Nighttime Description: Phra Paang Palelai(14) Buddha in Lelai forest Sitting on a stone, placing his legs down Left arm down, showing the back of his hand Right arm down, showing the palm of his hand It is an accepting manner o Crouching elephant o Monkey offering a hive
It tells the story of Buddha living in Lelai Forest (Kosambi city).
At that time, Buddhist monks in Kosambi were not united and did not follow Buddha’s instructions and advices.
And so, Buddha went to live in the forest, with no human company.
His only company was an elephant, providing him comfort and safety. Later, a monkey joined them, willing to do the same as the elephant.
Later, when people came to meet Buddha and did not found him, they blamed Kosambi monks for their misconduct.
People stopped offering food to the monks. These ones, later, regretted their wrong deeds.
The people went to see Anandathera (Buddha’s assistant), asking to invite Buddha back to their city.
To remember this story, Buddhists created the image of Phra Paang Palelai as a reminder of the consequences of: Disunity and quarrel
4.5 Buddha image for Thursday Description: Phra Nung Samadhi(15) “Enlightenment through meditation” Buddha sitting with the legs crossed Right foot crossed over the left foot Right hand overlapping the left hand
This posture represents the events before and during Buddha’s enlightenment.
Bodhisattva(16) sat on a throne covered with cogon grass, under the Boddhi Tree, where he attained enlightenment (Sammasambuddha).
This event happened during the full moon, in the month of Wisakha.
This day is called Wisakha Day or Buddha Day.
Buddhists, in this day, celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha.
4.6 Buddha image for Friday
Description: Phra Paang Rum Peung (17) Contemplative posture Standing position Harms raised up and crossed at the chest Right hand over the left hand
After having attained enlightenment, Buddha was thinking about universal salvation.
When he walked to the riverside, he saw 4 types of lotus flower.
Then, he suddenly realized that there were 4 different types of people in the world.
1st - The first type of lotus flower is those which receive sufficient sunlight and soon blossom, which also depicts this type of people who could accept Buddhist teachings.
2nd - The second type needs sunlight and water to blossom, meaning this type of people need time to understand Buddhist doctrine.
3rd - The third type needs strong sunlight and water to blossom and, anyway, they will wither. This type of people would hardly accept Buddhist teachings.
4th – The forth type will never blossom. For the last type, they would never accept and learn dharma.
However, Buddha would never give up on any of the lotus flowers, and would use the same standard precepts of salvation.
4 types of lotus flower, alternative version: http://proshot4u.blogspot.com/2007/07/four-kinds-of-people-can-be-compared-to.html 4.7 Buddha image for Saturday
Description: Phra Paang Naga Prok(18) Sitting in meditation Buddha sitting with the legs crossed Over a coiled serpent Right foot crossed over the left foot Right hand overlapping the left hand
"Protected by the Naga King", Buddha sits on a large coiled serpent which rises to protect him from a raging storm.
The Buddha sits in profound meditation, unaware of the tumult, as he is lifted over the rising waves by the King of Nagas(19).
The King of Nagas coiled as a platform for 7 rounds (the reason for the 7 heads?). To know more:
(1) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandhara_Kingdom (2) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greco-Buddhist_art (3) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanishka (4) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_the_Great (5) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mara_(demon) (6) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phra_Mae_Thorani (7) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asalha_Puja (8) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refuge_(Buddhism) (9) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vassa https://web.archive.org/web/20090618061700/http://www.chiangmai-chiangrai.com/buddha_images_for_days_of_week.html (10) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/seven-days-week-buddha-images.html (11) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhassunday-phra-paang-tawai-netr.html (12) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhasmonday-phra-paang-harm.html (13) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhas-tuesday-phra-paang-saiyasna.html (14) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhaswednesday-phra-pang-oombaat.html (15) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhas-thursday-phra-paang-nung.html (16) - http://www.dictionary.com/browse/bodhisattva?s=t (17) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhasfriday-phra-paang-rum-peung.html (18) - http://luckybobi520.blogspot.com/2012/12/week-buddhassaturday-phra-paang-naga.html (19) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nāga