Thangka of Buddha Shakyamuni with retinue, Sariputra and Maudgalyana
Buddha, also known as Siddhartha Gautama, was a spiritual teacher and the founder of Buddhism. Born into a noble family in Lumbini, Nepal, around the 6th century BCE, he renounced his princely life to seek enlightenment. after attaining enlightenment at the age of 35, he spent the rest of his life teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to liberation from suffering. His teachings have had a profound impact on millions of people worldwide, emphasizing mindfulness, compassion, and understanding the true nature of reality.
Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted seated in meditation posture with a serene expression and his right hand in Bhumisparsha Mudra (Earth-touching gesture) symbolizes his victory over Mara, unshakable determination, and fearlessness. By touching the earth, he calls it to witness his enlightenment, representing the transformation of suffering into wisdom.
His left-hand rests in his lap holding an alms bowl with dhyana mudra, representing meditation and spiritual nourishment.
Sariputra was one of Buddha’s closest disciples known for his wisdom, standing at the left side of the buddha, often depicted as the chief disciple. He played a key role in clarifying Buddha’s teachings and guiding others on the path to enlightenment. He is typically depicted wearing traditional monastic robs called kāṣāya (or cīvara in Sanskrit and Pali), symbolizing renunciation and detachment from worldly life. Typically, in shades of saffron, red, reflecting their monastic discipline. Draped over left shoulder and leaving the right shoulder bare. holding a monk’s alms bowl in his left hand with varada mudra and khakkhara or pewter staff in his right hand.
Maudgalyana, also known as Mahamaudgalyayana, was another prominent disciple known for his extraordinary spiritual powers, standing at the right side of the Buddha. He is typically depicted wearing traditional monastic robs called kāṣāya (or cīvara in Sanskrit and Pali), symbolizing renunciation and detachment from worldly life. Typically, in shades of saffron, red, reflecting their monastic discipline. Draped over left shoulder and leaving the right shoulder bare. He was known for his deep understanding of the Dharma and his commitment to helping others attain liberation. He also holding a monk’s alms bowl in his left hand with varada mudra and a khakkhara in his right hand.
A thangka of Shakyamuni Buddha serves as a powerful spiritual aid, inspiring wisdom, mindfulness, and inner peace. It represents the path to enlightenment, reminding practitioners of Buddha’s teachings on compassion and liberation from suffering.
With Sariputra and Maudgalyayana beside him, the thangka also embodies wisdom and spiritual power, reinforcing the importance of guidance on the path to awakening. Keeping such a thangka in your space fosters a sacred atmosphere, deepens meditation, and brings blessings of clarity, protection, and enlightenment.
