Variations in Buddha Representations Across South and Southeast Asia

Variations in Buddha Representations Across South and Southeast Asia

Differences in Representations of Buddha in South and Southeast Asia

            One area that showcases the significant distinctions in regards to how Buddha is represented in South and Southeast Asia is in his physical images or figurines. There are three dominant images of Buddha, including Amitabha Buddha, Gautama Buddha, and Vairocana Buddha (Andreasen, 2014). Notably, whereas the larger percentage of these statues depict meditation, they differ in regard to place location, the size of the statue, and its appearance as well. Gautama Buddha is widely represented in both South and Southeast Asia as a historical Buddha. His statues, paintings, and sculptures can be found in temples, monasteries, and public spaces throughout the region. In South Asia, especially in countries like India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, depictions of Gautama Buddha often follow traditional iconography, portraying him in meditation or teaching postures, with specific hand gestures (mudras) symbolizing various aspects of his teachings. Besides, in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar, representations of Gautama Buddha also adhere to traditional iconography, but may incorporate regional artistic styles and cultural influences (Revire, 2022).

Secondly, in regards to Amitabha Buddha, this representation figurine of Buddha is particularly venerated in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as in some Southeast Asian regions. Amitabha Buddha is often depicted in large sculptures or paintings in China and Japan, especially in Pure Land temples and monasteries. These representations emphasize his role as the Buddha of Infinite Light and his Pure Land, Sukhavati, where devotees aspire to be reborn. Further, in Southeast Asia, Amitabha Buddha is also honored, though to a lesser extent than other Buddhas. However, in countries like Vietnam, there are temples dedicated to Amitabha and practices centered around Pure Land Buddhism. Thirdly, Vairocana Buddha is predominantly associated with East Asian Buddhist traditions, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea. In China, Vairocana is often depicted as the central figure in esoteric Buddhist practices, including mandalas and ritual ceremonies. The influence of Vairocana can be seen in Chinese Buddhist art and iconography. In Japan, Vairocana is a central figure in Shingon and Tendai Buddhism, often represented in mandalas and esoteric rituals. The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) statues in Japanese temples, such as the one in Nara, can be associated with Vairocana’s symbolism.

Another difference in Buddhism across South Asia and Southeast Asia is in how the figurines or rather the posture of Buddha is made. For example, the seated Buddha in the Lotus Position (Padmasana) posture is common in South Asia, including countries such as India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In India, it is often seen in iconic sites like the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, where Gautama Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. Similarly, in Nepal, numerous temples and monasteries with statues of the seated Buddha in the lotus position are found, especially in pilgrimage sites like Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.

In Sri Lanka, the ancient city of Anuradhapura and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy are notable locations where such statues can be found. On the other hand, standing Buddha or walking Buddha with Abhaya Mudra is a posture more common in Southeast Asia, including countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam. In Thailand, numerous temples (wats) with large standing or walking Buddha statues are often adorned with intricate details and gold leaf. Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew in Bangkok are famous for their impressive Buddha images.

In Cambodia, the Angkor Wat complex features several statues of the walking Buddha, especially in the galleries surrounding the central temple. Myanmar is home to numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas with standing Buddha images, including the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

Laos and Vietnam also have temples and religious sites where standing or walking Buddha statues can be found, often with the abhaya mudra symbolizing fearlessness and protection.

References

Andreasen, E. (2014). General Introduction: Part II: The Development of Mahayana Buddhism. In Popular Buddhism in Japan (pp. 4-12). Routledge.

Revere, N. (2022). The Study of Visual Culture in South and Southeast Asian Buddhism. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion.

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

How do representations of Buddha differ throughout South and Southeast Asia?

Variations in Buddha Representations Across South and Southeast Asia