Iconography
The Origin of the Unisha
There is an explanation on how the Unisha of the Buddha Sakyamuni came about. It was said that in one of Sakyamuni’s many past lives when he was an ordinary human being, he met Buddha Dipamkara. He was in awe of the magnificent sight and spontaneous presence of Buddha Dipamkara that he automatically lifted one…
Read MoreThe 32 Laksanas of the Buddha
What are the 32 signs or physical marks on an enlightened being like the Buddha? Level feet Thousand-spoked wheel sign on feet Long, slender fingers Pliant hands and feet Toes and fingers finely webbed Full-sized heels Arched insteps Thighs like a royal stag Hands reaching below the knees Well-retracted male organ Height and stretch of…
Read MoreRoyal Emblem of Thailand’s King Rama IX
It is not common to spot buddha statues with a Royal Emblem embossed or inscribed onto it. What does this Royal Emblem signify? The Emblem is the personal flag of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej or Rama IX (5 Dec 1927 – 13 Oct 2016). The background of the flag is yellow or golden in…
Read MoreThe Roles of Monarchy & Trade in the Propagation of Buddhism
In its own unique ways, Buddhism was peacefully spread throughout much of Asia, carrying its message of using compassion and wisdom to end sufferings and disillusion, while fitting in to the needs and dispositions of different people. Often it developed in these regions organically, because of local interest in foreign merchant’s Buddhist beliefs. Sometimes rulers…
Read MoreThe Origin of Buddha Statues
It was said that during the lifetime of Buddha Sakyamuni, when he was in Tusita Heaven preaching the Dharma to his mother for three months, King Udayana of Kausambi missed the presence of the Buddha on earth, and so he thought of creating an image of Him. He asked Maugalayanaputra to send an artist to…
Read MoreWhat is the significance of the Bhumisparsha Mudra?
The ascetic Gautama (A Prince of one of the Kingdoms in India and before he became enlightened and known as Buddha Sakyamuni) who, after renouncing his princely life, realised that meditative dhyana was the right path to awakening. He discovered “the Middle Way”—a path of moderation away from the extremes of self-indulgence and self-mortification. After…
Read MoreTheravada Buddhism in Thailand
Theravada is the oldest tradition in Buddhism. It is relatively conservative and generally considered closest to the form of early Buddhism. Theravada is practiced in many countries especially Southeast Asia such as Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma) and Thailand. If we were to talk about the development of Theravada Buddhism within Thailand, we would…
Read MoreWhat is a Mudra?
A Mudra (also known as a “sign” or a “seal” in Sanskrit) is the pose or gesture of the hand often depicted in Buddhist art to represent the intended action of the Buddha. The most notable mudras commonly found in representations of the Buddha include: 1. Dhyani With the mudra of meditation, the back of…
Read MoreThe Three Traditions of Buddhism
How Buddhism was propagated in Asia After attaining enlightenment, Gautama became known as Buddha Shakyamuni. For the next 45 years and as a travelling teacher, he shared his insights with those who were receptive and interested from the nearby kingdoms. Buddha Shakyamuni taught people not to follow his teachings out of blind faith, but to…
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