The Mudras of the Buddha Statues

Buddha Statues

A part from its abundance of the narrative reliefs and the ornamental carvings, Chandi Borobudur is exceptionally rich in splendid stone statues, all depicting Dhyani Buddhas. The Buddha statues are to be found in the Rupadhatu and in the 3 cross-section of Chandi Borobudur.

Stupa of Borobudur

The largest main stupa is located in the center and crowns this building, surrounded by three circular rows of 72 perforated stupas in which there is a statue of Buddha sitting cross-legged in a perfect lotus position with the Dharmachakra mudra (turning the wheel of dharma). Source: Guidance Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide. photo arisguide.

The Buddha statues of the Rupadhatu are placed in niches, which are arranged in rows on the outer sides of the balustrades. As the terraces progressively diminish in size, the first balustrades have 104 niches, the second also 104, the third 88, the fourth 72, and the fifth 64, so there were originally 432 Buddha statues. The Buddha statues of the Arupadhatu are placed in the perforated stupas, which are arranged in three concentric circles. The first circular terrace supports 32 domes, the second 24, the third 16, so there were 72 Dhyani Buddha statues, out of sight but its still partly visible in the stupas.

Of the original total of 504 Buddha statues, over 300 are mutilated (mostly headless), and 43 are missing. At first sight the Buddha statues seem all alike, but closer observation reveals evident differences, particularly in the mudras (the position of the hands).

The Buddha statues at the first four balustrades have different mudras, each peculiar to one particular side of the monument. The statues facing East have the same mudras, and so have respectively the Buddhas facing South, West and North. The Buddha statues on all the uppermost (fifth) balustrade have the same mudra, regardless of the direction they face. This same mudra also characterizes the 72 statues on the three circular terraces of Arupadhatu.

In other words, the Borobudur statues show five kinds of mudra, corresponding to the five cardinal points of the compass (East, West, North, South, Zenith), and also to the Mahayana conception of the five Dhyani Buddhas. One point of the compass is ascribed to each Dhyani Buddha, and the distinction between the Dhyani Buddhas is indicated by the different mudras.

Mudras

Chandi Borobudur is rich in splendid stone statues, all the Buddha statues are depicting Dhyani Buddhas. Each mudra represents one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, and its own symbolism. The five mudras are as follows:

Bhumisparsa mudra

Meaning the hand position touching the earth. The open left hand rests on the lap, the right hand is placed on the right knee with the fingers pointing downwards. This mudra is associated with the moment when the Buddha called the Earth Goddess to witness while refuting Mara’s impeachments. It is the mudra peculiar to the Dhyani Buddha Aksobhya, who resides in the Eastern Quarters.

Abhaya mudra

Symbolizing the reassurance to refrain from fear. The open left hand is placed on the lap, the right hand is lifted up above the right thigh with the palm forward. This gesture is attributed to the Dhyani Buddha Amoghasiddhi, the Lord of the Northern Quarters.

Dhyana mudra

Expressing meditation. Both hands are opened and placed on the lap, the right hand above the left hand, the thumbs touching. The mudra is ascribed to Amitabha, the Dhyani Buddha of the western Quarters.

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Vara mudra

The mudra of charity. It resembles the bhumisparsa mudra, but the palm of the right hand is turned upwards while the fingers rest on the right knee. This mudra denotes that the Dhyani Buddha is Ratnasambhva of the Southern Quarters.

Dharmachakra mudra

Symbolizing the turning of the Wheel of the Law. Both hands are held before the breast, the left hand below the right. The left hand is turned upwards with the ring finger touching the thumb, while the ring finger of the right hand touches the little finger of the left. The position suggests the turning of a wheel. This mudra is attributed to the Dhyani Buddha of the Zenith, Vairochana.

Applying this information to the statues of Chandi Borobudur, the Buddhas at the East side are identified as Aksobhyas, while those at the North, West and South sides are Amoghasiddhis, Amitabhas and Ratnasambhavas respectively. This holds true in respect of the statues of the first four balustrades. Those of the fifth balustrade, all having the same mudras, are identified as Vairochanas, and similarly those in the stupas on the circular terraces.

The Rupadhatu is guarded by 92 Aksobhyas at the East, 92 Amoghasiddhis at the North, 92 Amitabhas at the West, and 92 Ratnasambhavas at the South (26 at the first, 26 at the second, 22 at the third, and 22 at the fourth balustrade). The Arupadhatu has its square base enclosed by 64 Vairochanas in the niches of the fifth balustrade, and its circular terraces are occupied by 72 other Vairochanas. The fact that the Dhyani Buddhas in the open niches of the balustrades are entirely visible, whereas those in the stupas of the circular terraces are partly disclosed suggests a sequence mounting to a climax which is reached when there is only one more Dhyani Buddha, completely invisible.

The five different Dhyani Buddhas are emanations of the Adi Buddha (the Supreme or Primeval Buddha), who generally is not represented in any tangible form. Consequently the single replacement of an image by a stupa, which is after all the symbol par excellence of Buddhism, is wholly reasonable. Moreover, this is no common stupa, but a huge one, crowning the entire monument and its surroundings.

Nevertheless, it is conceivable that, in view of the presence of the five Dhyani Buddhas, a representation of the Adi Buddha was thought necessary for Chandi Borobudur. In that case, there should be a statue inside the big dome.

Source: Guiding Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide.

References:

1. Walubi. "Borobudur: Candi Berbukit Kebajikan".

2. "Buddhism in Indonesia". Buddhanet. Diakses tanggal 4 May 2015.

3. "Vesak Festival: A Truly Sacred Experience". Wonderful Indonesia. Diakses tanggal 4 May 2015.

4. Dr. Soekmono, Candi Borobudur - Pusaka Budaya Umat Manusia, Jakarta: Pustaka Jaya (1978).

5. Galeri Lalitavistara di Borobudur di photodharma.net

6. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 1. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

7. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 2. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

8. Tipitakadhara Mingun Sayadaw. (2008). RIWAYAT AGUNG PARA BUDDHA 3. Ehipassiko Foundation Giri Mangala Publications.

9. Let it share, you may like and open more detail to Welcome to Borobudur Temple, the fabric of life in the Buddhist culture.

10. Text adapted from Guiding Technique Chandi Borobudur arisguide, Foto arisguide.