The lions occupying the corners at the bottom of the composition have a deep symbolic significance. They refer to the fact that the 'Blessed One' belongs to the 'lion clan,' known as the Shakyas. Hence the title Shakyamuni, meaning the silent lion (muni - silent). His right hand firmly makes the gesture of reassurance (abhaya mudra), which of course is expected from one belonging to such a distinguished and fearless lineage. The upraised left hand is supported by a lotus and gathers the hem of his garment.
The Buddha's face is dominated by a sharp nose, and a slight smile escapes from his pursed lips. His hair is typically made of snail shell curls and three of his supernatural signs of greatness - the urna between the eyebrows, the long earlobes extending upto the shoulders, and the ushnisha - all are clearly delineated.
Of Related Interest:
The Way Of The Buddha
The Life of the Buddha
Absence of the Buddha Image in Early Buddhist Art
Mudras of the Great Buddha
Evolution of the Buddha Image
The Origin of the Buddha Image
More Granite Sculptures
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