Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha

Shakyamuni Buddha is a name given to the historical Buddha, especially in Mahayana Buddhism. So, it's nearly always the case that when someone is talking about Shakyamuni, he or she is speaking of the historical figure who was born Siddhartha Gautama but then became known as Shakyamuni only after he became the Buddha. This person, after his enlightenment, is also sometimes called Gautama Buddha.

However, people also speak of Shakyamuni as a more transcendent figure who still is, and not as a historical figure who lived a long time ago. Especially if you are new to Buddhism, this may be confusing. Let's take a look at Shakyamuni Buddha and his role in Buddhism.

There are hundreds of reproductions of these motifs all over the world. Yet, almost every single representation will have a certain number of identical traits. These are what allow us to recognize the different Buddhas and the qualities that they possess.

Painted in shades of gold or beige and wearing monastic robes, he is seated atop a lotus throne on which are symbolically placed the sun and moon.

His lotus seat symbolizes the act of living in this world without being soiled by its imperfections. The sun represents “Prajna” or wisdom. The moon represents “Upaya” or the willful means of compassion.

The left hand is in the Dhyani or meditation Mudra. Whilst the right hand is in the Bhumisparsa Mudra translated in English to “taking the earth as a witness” which refers to a particular episode of the Buddha’s Life, a Thangka detailing his life story.

Disciples

He is often painted with his two disciples, Sariputra famous for his wisdom and Maudgalyayana for his miraculous feats. Both disciples are believed to have been Brahmins who studied the Vedas before being initiated into Buddhism.

Buddha's Throne

The Buddha is often, but not always, represented on a throne supported by two lions. Just as lions are thought to be the kings of the animals, Buddha too is a king amongst the divine. We can sometimes see an extravagant backrest, containing 6 mystical creatures. This refers to the six Paramitas or the six perfections, the principal qualities required to attain Buddhahood.