Notes on Buddhist Iconography
VIDYA SCHALK
Some Basic Iconographic Elements of Buddha Images Iconography is the study of the imagery or symbolism of a work of art. As you come to understand how to read the iconography of a work of art you will better understand the message that the work conveys. In Asian art, divine images, or icons, of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other divine or semi-divine beings, are typically represented in a frontal, static and symmetrical way. The icon communicates to the viewer through a symbolic, pictorial language of postures, gestures, bodily marks, and associated objects. Every icon carries with it a set of symbols from this pictorial language, which conveys to the viewer the meaning of the icon.
Signs of this pictorial language include: -- Sacred bodily marks of the Buddha (laksana) -- Posture of sitting body (asana). -- Posture of standing (sthana) -- Position of the hands (mudra). -- Position of the arms (hasta) -- Sacred Buddhist Symbols -- Attributes -- objects held by or belonging to the figure These symbols serve to differentiate individual Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other divine or quasi-divine beings and denote an entire catalogue of associations that assist the worshiper in understanding the image.
These notes will help understand the symbols of mudra, asana, laksana (lakshana), Sacred Buddhist Symbols and attributes. As you become more familiar with images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas and other beings your ability to decode these visual symbols will make it possible for you to precisely identify the subjects of Buddhist works of art through history all across this museum and see how has changed over time and space and what has remained the same.
Lakshanas or the Marks of Great Person or Sacred marks • • • •
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The term lakshanas refers to an auspicious sign or sacred mark. These are specific physical characteristics and marks or signs on the body. Lakshana are particularly associated with the Buddha, and there are considered to be 32 greater and 80 lesser bodily marks or features on the Buddha's body. Some of the 32 major signs can be shared by Bodhisattvas and sometimes by chakravartins (universal kings). Some of these symbolize aspects of the Buddha's spiritual character whilst others draw attention to the concept that his beautiful and perfectly proportioned body is an outer reflection of inner spiritual power. These are drawn from the ancient Indian concept of the Mahapurusha or 'Cosmic Being'.
According to the Lakkhanssutta of the Pali canon, the 32 major Lakshanas are: 1. Well-placed flat-footed feet 2. Chakra -Mark of the Wheel of Law on soles of feet or palms of hands 3. Soles and palms more tender and soft than in most people 4. Long toes and fingers 5. Webbed fingers and toes 6. Feet well set on the ground 7. Ankle bones that are hardly noticeable 8. Lower legs like those of an antelope 9. Body frame tall and straight 10. Arms that reach to the knees when standing 11. Genitalia withdrawn