by Sahara Stirling

Created on: August 10, 2007

The 32 marks of the Buddha are officially known as "The 32 Marks of a Great Man" as delineated in the Pali Canon, of the Tipitaka, the general scriptural work of Theravada Buddhism tradition. The Buddha most often referred to when speaking of "the Buddha," Siddhartha Gautama, is said to have displayed all characteristics.

The Pali Canon also lists 80 "secondary characteristics" of the Buddha, which are more specific, refer mostly to his physical body and movements, and often overlap (for example, his walk is both majestic as a royal ox and beautiful as a swan).

If you look at visual representations of the Buddha, you will often see many of the most easy-to-find marks depicted. Thus the creation of visual representations becomes not just an artform with aesthetic value, but one of spiritual significance as well. This is often easiest in depictions of his footprints, most often decorated like you might imagine mendhi (henna patterns on hands and feet), with wheels or wheel-like symbols in the centre.

The 32 marks of the Buddha are as follows. Further research into the 32 marks will show that each mark has a special significance, which are briefly described below. As these are all historically attributed to Siddhartha, I will use masculine pronouns.

1. The soles of his feet are flat or "level" (as is most often written), signifying a firm foundation.

2. The soles of his feet also have wheel marks, which symbolizes his great assembly.

3. His heels project, and

4. he has long fingers and toes, both of which signify long life.

5. He has soft skin, and

6. his hands and feet art "net-like," both of which signify his union with all beings.

7. His ankles are raised, and this symbolizes his continued reach and ascension.

8. He has strong leg muscles, described as like an antelope's, which signifies his quick attainment of enlightenment.

9. Standing upright, he can touch his knees without bending forward, which signifies wealth.

10. He conceals his sexual organs with a sheath, signifying many sons.

11. His complexion shines like gold, symbolizing the finest garments.

12. His skin is rarely affected or soiled by dust, signifying a man of great wisdom.

13. His body hair is made up of lone hairs, one to each pore, which signifies that he is well-respected.

14. His body hair also curls upward and to the right, which signifies his greatness.

15. He stands upright, godlike; this signifies a long life.

16. There are seven convex surfaces on his bod: four behind his limbs, two behind his shoulders

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