The footprints
of the Buddha (Buddhapada)
are one of the early representations of the Buddha in the anticonic (no statues)
stage of Buddhist art. The Buddhapada are highly revered in all Buddhist
countries, especially in Sri Lanka and Thailand.
Symbolizing the grounding of the transcendent, feet have been
objects of respect in India long before Buddhism. According to Buddhist legend,
after the Buddha attained enlightenment, his feet made an imprint in
the stone where he stepped.
In
another tradition, the infant Buddha took seven steps after his birth to
symbolize his spiritual domination of the universe.
The footprints
of the Buddha symbolize
the Buddha's presence, as they are believed to be the imprints where the Buddha
actually touched the ground. At the same time, the Buddhapada signify the
Buddha's absence now that he has entered nirvana, and thus are a reminder of
the Buddhist ideal of nonattachment.
The
Buddha's footprints are usually depicted with the toes of all one length and
with a dharmachakra(wheel) in the center.
Other
early Buddhist symbols also appear on the heels and toes, such as the lotus,
the swastika and the triratna(Three Jewels).
Some
Buddhapada can be very large and detailed, displaying the 32, 108 or 132
distinctive marks of a Buddha in a checkerboard pattern.
These
symbols are also seen on the bottom of the feet of large statues of the
reclining Buddha.
Sculptures
of Buddha's footprints are usually protected in a special temple structure,
where the faithful bring flowers and other offerings to them. The Buddhapada
image can also be found on Tibetan thangkas.
Source : religonfacts.com
No comments:
Post a Comment