Buddha

photo taken by me

Siddhartha was an Indian prince in 500BC who set to discover the meaning behind the suffering he experienced. Most importantly, he sought to reach enlightenment, and when he did he was referred to as Buddha. 

The image above is a statue of Buddha in front of the entrance of the architecture firm I worked for this summer in Tucson. The hand gestures that the statue is doing is a symbol for "welcome".  However, this statue, in particular, is called the Abhaya or standing Buddha which was derived in the 7th century. The gesture can also mean "no fear" or giving reassurance and protection to followers of Buddha. The eyes of this Buddha statue are half closed which means that Buddha is in a state of meditation and tranquility.  The dot on the forehead of the Buddha is called the urna, which resembles his third eye and the ability to envision the divine world, past the suffering in the world.

There are many physical characteristics within the statue that identify the Buddha. The long monk robe covering only one side of his left shoulder and arm is one of the most common characteristics among most statues. Secondly, the top of his head is illustrated as a bundle of curled compact hair. The long earlobes are another common characteristic, symbolizing wisdom, compassion and reaching enlightenment. It is also believed that the Buddha has long ears so that he can hear the voices of the world and give people protection in times of suffering. 

It is fascinating to me that the Buddha has many connotations and meanings based on the gestures, features and body positions of a statue. the symbolism behind the teachings of Buddha can be applied to daily practices and having the statue acts as the reminder of Buddha's teachings and preaching. 

photo taken by me 

References:

1. “The Buddha Shakyamuni.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/art-asia/beginners-guide-asian-culture/buddhist-art-culture/a/the-buddha-shakyamuni
2. Museum, Albert. “Victoria and Albert Museum.” Iconography of the Buddha, Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL. Telephone 44 (0)20 7942 2000. Email Vanda@Vam.ac.uk, 30 Apr. 2013, www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/i/iconography-of-the-buddha/.