The historical Buddha is seated in the lotus or meditation posture (vajrasana) with one hand resting in the lap and the other in a gesture that calls the earth to witness his great resolve. Earrings inlaid with turquoise adorn the Buddha's elongated ear lobes and are said to symbolize his royal background.
The Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted in a most typical pose, that of meditation. There are other symbolic representations as well. There is the cranial protuberance (ushnisha) symbolizing supernatural wisdom. The mark between the eyes (urna) is symbolic of spiritual illumination. The helmet-like headpiece (ushnisha) is topped by a knob representing a symbolic jewel (cudamani). His monk's robe hosts decorative borders reminiscent of former princely raiment.
When first studying the Shakyamuni Buddha, even the uninitiated eye will recognize the religious influence and symbolism. At first glance it is evident Buddha is in a state of repose. Tranquility shows in his face as his eyes are half closed signifying that a state of meditation.
The Lotus position with legs crossed is almost universally known as symbolic of meditation. Still, it does add to the overall sense of tranquility. Buddha's hand positions speak clearly of its symbolic meaning- Buddha's resolve - perhaps more significantly than his face or eyes. The uninitiated could easily mistake Buddha's half closed eyes as someone merely sleepy after a heavy meal, but the hands are indicative of action and meaning -- a person can sense there is symbolic meaning in the position of the hands.
As stated earlier, to fully appreciate the Shakyamuni Buddha sculpture in its entirety it is important to have a basic knowledge of the Buddhist religion and culture.
Eight Great Events of Buddha
The Buddha's life is often depicted through the Eight Great Events which are as follows:
1. Descent from Tushita Heaven
2. Birth
3. Four Encounters
4. Renunciation
5. Asceticism
6. Taming of Mara
7. 1st Turning of Wheel at Deer Park
8. Parinirvana
After...
These scenes were eventually codified into paintings and engravings of the Eight Great Events commonly seen in East Asia today. The Eight Great Events provide a vivid portrait of the Buddha's life. Moreover, beautiful representations of these Great Events are one way the Buddha's life has been remembered and passed on to future generations.
Bibliography
"Art & Culture Summary." Buddha Minders. Accessed November 11, 2011.
http://www.buddhamind.info/leftside/sumaries/art.htm.
Buddhapia. Hyundai Bulkyo Media Center. Accessed November 11, 2011.
http://eng.buddhapia.com/.
Henss, Michael. "TIBET -- Monasteries Open Their Treasure Rooms -- the Exhibition and its Book: A Review." Asian Art. Last modified December 25, 2007. http://asianart.com/articles/henss/index.html.
Rubin Museum of Art. Accessed November 11, 2011. http://www.rmanyc.org/.
Harderwijk, Rudy. "A View on Buddhism." View on Buddhism. Last modified November 3, 2011. http://viewonbuddhism.org/.
"The Four Noble Truths." The Big View. Accessed November 11, 2011.
http://thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.html.
"Art & Culture Summary," Buddha Minders, accessed November 11, 2011, http://www.buddhamind.info/leftside/sumaries/art.htm.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Rudy Harderwijk, "A View on Buddhism," View on Buddhism, last modified November 3, 2011, http://viewonbuddhism.org/.
Ibid.
Rubin Museum of Art, accessed November 11, 2011, http://www.rmanyc.org/.
Ibid.
"The Four Noble Truths," The Big View, accessed November 11, 2011, http://thebigview.com/buddhism/fourtruths.html.
Michael Henss, "TIBET -- Monasteries Open Their Treasure Rooms -- the Exhibition and its Book: A Review," Asian Art, last modified December 25, 2007, http://asianart.com/articles/henss/index.html.
Buddhapia, Hyundai Bulkyo Media Center, accessed November 11, 2011, http://eng.buddhapia.com/.
