SHAKAYAMUNI BUDDHA

SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA Buddha Shakyamuni is the historical Buddha, who lived around 600 BC and is considered the founder of the Buddhist religion. Buddha Shakyamuni representations are usually scarcely decorated and show him scantily dressed. The hair is typically blue and the head is surrounded by an enlightenment aura. He is depicted in meditation posture (Dhyanasana) and holding a begging bowl in his left hand. The right hand touches the ground (�A mudra called Bhumisparsa� or �Calling the earth to witness�). Buddha has called the earth as a witness of his inexorable path to enlightenment. His two favorite students flank him on his right and left side. (Mantra: OM MUNI MUNI MAHA MUNIYA SOHA)