Item: Shakyamuni Buddha - Shakyamuni

Shakyamuni Buddha (Tibetan: sha kya tu pa, sang gye. English: the Enlightened One, Sage of the Shakya Clan), founder of Buddhism. In Theravadin, or Foundational Buddhism, Shakyamuni is the only Buddha. In Mahayana Buddhism there are many Buddhas mentioned. Some are described in detail with complex narratives and literature while others are only referenced by name.

Sanskrit: Buddha Shakyamuni Tibetan: Sang gye sha kya tu pa

A Buddha, in Buddha Appearance, is known for having thirty-two major and eighty minor distinguishing physical characteristics (marks) based on the Indian cultural description of a Universal Monarch (Chakravartin) - the highest and most developed male form. Only a few of these 112 marks are depicted in art such as the ushnisha on the top of the head, the urnakesha between the eyes, three curved horizontal lines on the neck, and a Dharma Wheel impression on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

At the top left is orange coloured Arapachana Manjushri. At the right side is the Tibetan teacher Tsongkapa. At the lower left is red 'Secret Accomplishment' Hayagriva. At the lower right is blue 'Inner' Yama Dharmaraja.

Jeff Watt [added 9-2022]