Shakyamuni Buddhas

The historical Buddha Shakyamuni has been represented in many styles across various cultures. The first statues (or rupas) were made several hundred years after his death. This means they are not portraits, but reminders of the type of man he was, and the kind of people Buddhists believe we can all become: Enlightened; perfectly wise, compassionate, fearless and generous. Before these first images were made he was represented by a pair of footprints (see below) or by a stupa (see the Holy Sites page.)