Thai Buddha Images for the 7 Days of the Week
Identify and Discover the Meaning Behind Many Buddha Poses
When visiting a Thai temple you may be interested to look at the many Buddha images and their different poses, which depict significant moments in the Buddha’s life.
Whilst most Buddha statutes feature the Buddha in meditation, there are more than 100 different poses. There are also some postures that each represent the 7 days of the week, and Thai people pay particular attention to the Buddha image which corresponds to the day they were born.
Buddha Images for Days of the Week
Monday
This is a standing Buddha pose, with the left hand hanging down by the side. The right hand is raised at the chest, palm facing outwards, in a singe-handed gesture. This posture represents “Preventing Calamities”, which is also known as “Pacifying the Relatives.”
Tuesday
A reclining Buddha posture. The Buddha lies on his right side with his left arm draped along the body and the right arm acting as a pillow, propping up the head. One of the most dramatic and breathtaking reclining Buddha images can be found at Wat Po, Bangkok. This temple is also home to the famous Thai massage school.
Wednesday
There are two images that represent Wednesday, one for the morning and one for the night.
For Wednesday morning, the Buddha is standing with heels pressed together, holding an alms bowl at waist height, with both hands wrapped around it.
Wednesday evening’s pose represents the retreat to the forest, for the duration of the rainy season. It is a sitting posture with the Buddha depicted as resting with a monkey and small elephant at his side. The Buddha is about to accept a honeycomb from the money and a water pot from the elephant.
Thursday
This sitting Buddha image is one of restful meditation, with legs crossed (right leg on top of the left) and both hands resting on the top, with the right hand over the left, both palms upwards. This is a classic yoga posture.
Friday
Friday represents “Reflection” or “Contemplation”, with a standing Buddha image. Both hands are crossed at the chest (right over left), palms facing inwards. The posture depicts the Buddha standing at the Banyan Tree, wondering how he can explain the cause of suffering to his followers.
Saturday
This dramatic statute depicts the Buddha sitting in meditation, protected by a cobra hood. The Buddha sits cross-legged in meditation, with overlapping hands, palms upwards, whilst Mucalinda, the cobra (King of Naga) spreads its hood above the Buddha’s head.
Sunday
Representing an Open-Eye posture, the Buddha stands with hands crossed over his abdomen, in pensive thought. The right hand is placed over the left on the upper thigh. Here, the enlightened Buddha contemplates his achievements and knowledge, standing still for 7 days under the Bodhi Tree to contemplate the suffering of all living things.
Buying a Buddha Image as a Thai Souvenir
On your visit to Thailand you may wish to purchase a souvenir of a replica Buddha image to take back home. It may be more meaningful if you select the one which represents the day of your birth. Providing you buy a replica statue which is less than 5 inches tall (aproximately 12 cms), there are no export restrictions. Any Buddha image which is larger than this requires written permission from the local Fine Arts Department. This can be obtained on your behalf by the seller, or you can apply yourself. Without the necessary export permit, you risk confiscation of your souvenir when leaving Thailand.
Buddha images can be bought from the many tourist shops, the huge Chatuchak market in Bangkok, or local Thai markets — don't forget to bargain! If you prefer, you can purchase a Buddha amulet for good luck, to be worn around your neck.
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