Buddha was a Buddhist monk, philosopher, mystic and Indian ascetic, founder of Buddhism. He still remains one of the most important spiritual and religious figures in all of Asia. The image of the Buddha is traditionally a symbol of good luck as it embodies happiness, prosperity and abundance.
The images depicting the Buddha can be very different from each other: some is smiling, others fat, still others lying down. The various representations are the result of the adaptations made by the various countries. The iconography of the Buddha embodies spiritual perfection. According to tradition, he boasts 32 physical details, called lakshana, main and 80 secondary. Through this symbology the faithful are guided along a path that leads to a higher knowledge disconnected from external forms only.
The Laughing Buddha is by far the most popular depiction. He has Chinese origins. He is represented as a monk with a big belly and a big smile.
According to legend, Buddha Sakyamuni meditated for 4 weeks under the Bodhi tree, suddenly the sky was covered with clouds and it started to rain. At that point the king of the naga, Mucalinda, emerged from the bowels of the earth and covered the head of the Buddha transforming himself into a hat. When the storm ended Mucalinda resumed his human form and returned to darkness.
About the Author
Shreemati
Giovanna Morano is a Painter and Sculptor, and Teacher of Holistic Arts
since 1996 at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bari, Italy.
Owner of the Morano art studio laboratory with exhibition and sale of
paintings and sculptures. You have participated in several artistic
competitions and exhibitions throughout the Italian territory, in
particular at the Bari Art Expo.
In recent years you have gone from an informal style to a more
figurative style, representing themes and divinities belonging to the
Hindu tradition.