BUDDHA AND BODHISATTVA IMAGES
Buddha images convey a feeling of calm and reflect proper mental discipline with control over negative emotions, like fear and greed. The Buddha's serene appearance sets an example for all those who gaze upon it. Buddhist images and art serve to convey various aspects of the Buddha's teachings.
Sakyamuni buddha
The historical Buddha of our world. He was born as Guatama Siddhartha over 2,500 years ago, as the first son of King Suddhodana in the kingdom’s capital city of Kapilavastu, in what is now Nepal. At the age of twenty-nine, he left his father’s palace and his wife and child in search of the way to end suffering for all beings.
Amitabha buddha
“Amitabha Buddha” is Sanskrit. Amitabha means “infinite,” Buddha means “awakening.” This name therefore conveys the meaning of infinite enlightenment. “Infinite” describes that which is innate in the true nature: infinite wisdom, infinite virtues and abilities, and infinite auspicious marks.
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva —
Great COMPASSION BODHISATTVA
Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is one of the three Pure Land sages, the others being Amitabha Buddha and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
Three Pure Land Sages
The three sages are Amitabha Buddha and his two bodhisattva attendants. As we look at the Buddha, Avalokitesvara is on his right-hand side and Mahasthamaprapta is on his left-hand side.
Samantabhadra Bodhisattva—Universal Worthy Bodhisattva
A collection of images of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva.
Manjusri Bodhisattva —Great Wisdom Bodhisattva
Manjusri Bodhisattva cuts through humanity's ignorances with his sword of wisdom to help them to achieve enlightenment. Manjusri is thus often portrayed in Buddhist art with the sword of wisdom in one hand and a book (or scroll) in the other.
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva—Great Vow Bodhisattva
Because of his vow to not achieve buddhahood until “all the hells are empty,” Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva is often referred to as the Bodhisattva of the Hell Beings...more
The Events in the life of Buddha Sakyamuni
There are numerous paintings and sculptures that depict the life of Sakyamuni Buddha. The photographs shown here were shot in Yuanheng Temple, Kaoshiong, Taiwan. Yuanheng Temple was built in the reign of Emperor Qianglong of the Qing dynasty. It is one of the few remaining historical temples in Taiwan….more
