Thai Buddha Images : Gestures and Postures of the Buddha. Buddha images of different historic periods in Thailand.

 

Characteristics and Postures of the Buddha
Sitting Buddhas
Reclining Buddhas
Seven Days of the Buddha


Hand Gestures :

The Six Main Mudras
Dhyana Mudra
Bhumisparsha Mudra
Abhaya Mudra
Vitarka Mudra
Varada Mudra


Historical Periods :

Dvaravati
Khmer-Lopburi
Chiang Saen - Lanna
Sukhothai
U Thong
Ayutthaya


Historical Notes :

Dvaravati
Sukhothai
Ayutthaya

Resources

Temples in Thailand :

Overview
Wat Pho
Wat Benchamabophit  


Buddha Images at :

Buddha Images at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

Introduction to Buddhism in Thailand

The 10 Jatakas (lives of the Buddha) as depicted in Thai mural Temple paintings

 

Reclining Buddha

 

By far the most common sitting posture of Buddha images in Thailand is the 'half-lotus' or 'hero' posture. The posture where the Buddha sits in so-called European or Western fashion is also regularly seen, while Buddha images displaying 'full-lotus' posture are somewhat rare in most parts of Thailand.

Sitting Buddha, Yoga Posture, Buddha posture

Subduing Mara (Calling the Earth to Witness). Observe the sitting posture of the Buddha. The RIGHT leg is folded over the left leg. The soles of both feet are upward. This is most correctly called the half-lotus posture (compare with full-lotus posture below). Other names used for this posture are : 'hero posture' or virasana (paryankasana).
Buddha image at Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom.

 

Sitting Buddha, Full-lotus posture
Meditating in the full-lotus posture. This is also called the diamond posture. Other names used are 'adamantine pose' or Vajrasana. Each foot is resting on the opposite thigh, right leg crossed over the left leg. Notice that the soles of both feet are visible. While not that common in Thailand, a Buddha image seated in this way is more likely to be observed in the North of the country, and is common in India.
Do not practice this in one go at home!
Buddha image at Phra Pathom Chedi, Nakhon Pathom.

 

Sitting Buddha, European Style
Buddha image at Wat Pa Lelai, Suphan Buri. The Buddha sits in the so-called European pose. The legs simply hang down (like most of us sit on a chair). Another name for this pose is pralambapadasana.
The hand gesture that the Buddha at Wat Pa Lelai uses is quite uncommon (left hand with palm on the knee, right hand slightly lifted above he right knee, palm down) and is described as displaying the attitude of jungle life.

 

Sitting Buddha, Dvaravati style, European Fashion
Stone carving of scene from the Buddha's life. Dvaravati art 7th-11th century A.D. The Lord Buddha is seated in so-called 'European' fashion.
Phra Pathom Chedi National Museum (Nakhon Pathom)
Original found at Wat Sai, Nakhon Pathom

 

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Content by Guido Vanhaleweyk, Bangkok.