The Buddha Image
- Symbols of radiance. Among these may be a halo around the head or whole body, a flame at the top of the head, or a gold-covered surface.
- Superhuman physical characteristics such as very large size, a lump on the top of the head sometimes said to indicate extraordinary wisdom, a tuft of hair between the eyes that is usually depicted as a dot, fingers all the same length, or special markings on the palms and on the soles of the feet.
- Long earlobes, stretched during the years when the Buddha-to-be, as a prince, wore heavy earrings.
- Monk’s robes. Monks wore a sarong-like lower garment and one or two upper garments, each made of a sheet of cloth wrapped around the upper body, sometimes leaving the right shoulder bare.
- Special positions and gestures. The most common position is seated with the legs crossed or interlocked in meditation on a lotus throne. Other positions include sitting with legs pendant, walking, standing, and reclining.
Common symbolic hand positions (mudras) are:
- right hand over right knee (symbolizing the Buddha’s calling the Earth as a witness during his victory over negative forces)
- right hand held up with palm out (symbolizing giving reassurance)
- hands held at chest with fingers turning invisible wheel (symbolizing setting in motion the “wheel of the doctrine”—that is, preaching)
- hand held down with fingers extended and palm turned upwards (symbolizing gift giving)
ref:
http://education.asianart.org/explore-resources/background-information/how-identify-buddha
http://education.asianart.org/sites/asianart.org/files/resource-downloads/The%20Buddha%20Image.pdf
http://education.asianart.org/sites/asianart.org/files/resource-downloads/Beliefs-Made-Visible.pdf
http://education.asianart.org/sites/asianart.org/files/resource-downloads/Beliefs-Made-Visible.pdf