Buddha Statues & Gestures: November Exhibition at Skiptvet Library
Featuring: Reclining Buddha Posture — A symbol of serene composure, spiritual wisdom in humbling conceit, enlightenment, and the final passage into final-Nibbana, the ultimate truth.
Continuing our ongoing series on Buddhist art and teachings, Skiptvet Monastery and Skiptvet Library invite you to explore the iconography and origins of these three significant postures of the Buddha in the reclining posture (Sihasaiyasna).
Understanding the Physical Characteristics: The Reclining Buddha Posture
Anatomy of the Reclining Posture
The Buddha is depicted lying on his right side (Sihasaiyasna), with the body straight, serene, and composed.
Hands:
Asurindra Rahu Gesture: The right hand is raised to support the head, resting on a pillow (Khanoei), which is sometimes placed under the armpit (Kaccaha). The left hand lies flat along the body.
Dream Gesture: The right hand cradles the head, while the left arm rests along the side or lies flat. The feet are neatly overlapped.
Parinirvana Gesture: The left arm lies flat along the body, and the right arm rests alongside or supports the head in deep stillness. Both feet are aligned, and the eyes are closed, signifying the final passing.
Feet: Both feet are laid evenly, one atop the other.
Origin the Reclining Buddha
1. Subduing Asurindra Rahu (Asurindra Rahu Gesture)
While the Buddha was residing at the Jetavana Monastery in Savatthi, Asurindra Rahu, an Asura viceroy, wished to hear the Buddha preach. However, proud of his immense stature, he hesitated to pay homage, believing he would have to look down uncomfortably at the Buddha, whom he perceived as merely a mortal of small stature.
To subdue Rahu's pride, the Buddha manifested a giant form while assuming the reclining posture, resting his head against a mountain as a pillow. His feet alone towered over Rahu, forcing the Asura to look up in awe. The Buddha then displayed a miracle, bringing Rahu to the Brahma realm, where the Brahma beings dwarfed Rahu, reducing him to the size of a tiny ant. Overcome with awe and humility, Rahu shed his arrogance, bowed before the Buddha, and took refuge in the Triple Gem as his supreme guidance.
2. The Five Great Dreams (Dream Gesture)
This posture relates to the night before the Buddha's enlightenment at Uruvela Senanigama, when the Bodhisattva experienced five great prophetic dreams (Pañca-mahāsupina), signaling his upcoming attainment of Supreme Enlightenment:
Reclining with his head on the Himalayas, his left hand reaching the eastern ocean, his right hand the western ocean, and his feet extending to the southern ocean (signifying his eventual Buddhahood).
A stalk of Eragraw grass sprouted from his navel, growing up into the heavens (symbolizing the proclamation of the Noble Eightfold Path).
White-headed worms crawled up from his feet to his knees (symbolizing that countless householders would seek refuge in the Triple Gem).
Four birds of different colors (white, yellow, red, and black) flew from the four directions, landed at his feet, and turned pure white (symbolizing that people of all four varnas would attain purity upon joining the Order).
Walking atop a mountain of dung without being soiled (symbolizing that he would receive worldly offerings without becoming attached to them).
3. Entering Final Nibbana (Parinirvana Gesture)
This gesture depicts the culmination of the Buddha's earthly life. At eighty years of age, the Buddha journeyed to the Upavattana Sala Grove in Kusinara, instructing Venerable Ananda to prepare a couch between two Sala trees. He then lay on his right side, facing north.
Before entering Parinirvana, the Buddha delivered his final instruction (Pacchima-ovada) to the assembled monks: "Decay is inherent in all conditioned things. Strive on with diligence." He then entered deep meditative absorptions (Jhana) and passed into Anupadisesa-Nibbana. Statues of this posture serve as a profound reminder of impermanence (Anicca) and the imperative to live mindfully.
Dhamma Contemplation
Venerating the Reclining Buddha images is not merely about asking for blessings of peace, but serves as a reminder for Buddhists to reflect upon and apply the Buddha's conduct to their daily lives:
Overcoming Conceit and Ignorance (From Subduing Asurindra Rahu):
Reminds us to abandon ego and arrogance. Recognizing that in this vast universe, our knowledge and existence are minor, cultivating humility opens the heart to true wisdom and Dhamma.
Firm Resolve and the Path of Purification (From the Dream Posture): Reflects hope, clarity, and determination. The visions in the dream symbolize that training oneself in accordance with the Noble Eightfold Path leads to spiritual purity, regardless of one's background or caste.
Mindfulness of Impermanence (From Entering Parinirvana): Serves as a reminder that all conditioned phenomena are subject to decay according to the Three Marks of Existence (Tilakkhana). Buddhists are encouraged to live with Diligence (Appamada), striving to cultivate wholesome states of mind while the opportunity remains.
📍 Location: Skiptvet Library, Storveien 31A, 1816 Skiptvet
📅 Date: 1 – 30 November 2026
🕒 Opening Hours*:
Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Join us to explore the deep symbolism and peace behind these sacred gestures.
*Please visit the Skiptvet Library website for the latest updates.
