Different But Same Buddha(s)?

Something written for a magazine:

Q: Why do Buddha images differ? What do different poses and expressions reflect?

A: Buddha images in different countries evolved according to the cultural preferences of each. For instance, images in China came to resemble the Chinese. Chinese images of the Buddha are usually more plump or even slightly fat, as this is seen as a sign of prosperity and well-being in Chinese culture. This creative approach is not seen as blasphemous as the Buddha is believed to be able to manifest according to the preferences of the audience he teaches too.

In fact, when the Buddha images of a country begin to resemble its people, it is a clear sign that the Buddha’s teachings have assimilated so well into their culture that they now see the Buddha as ‘one of their own people’. For instance, Buddhism is the fastest growing religion in UK today and the Buddha images there now resemble Westerners.

Buddha images are portrayed in four key leg postures – walking, standing, sitting and reclining. The first three postures are meaningful when coupled with hand gestures called mudras, which represent various aspects of the Buddha’s teachings.  The reclining posture depicts either the Buddha resting or entering parinirvana (relinquishment of his body). Different Buddhas are differentiated by their mudras or items held too.

Technically, all Buddha images have only one facial expression – that of looking at all beings with calm compassion and wisdom – though this can be expressed with variation due to the above points mentioned. Buddha images can also be expressed in wrathful forms to depict how Buddhas can manifest accordingly as a skilful means to subdue stubborn beings. However, these forms are usually as Bodhisattvas.