Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram --The Reclining Buddha and Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple --Standing Buddha Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

The basis of Buddist art rests solely in the core of Buddist belief. The Buddhist believe that along the road to enlightenment comes the realization of their Buddist nature. Once this understanding occurs, so too does the realization that an art form must be developed to protray the Buddhist's inner aspirations. The Artist manuals for Buddhist art illustrate strict measures and guidelines which correct proportion and balance must be achieved. The artist is not free to improvise individual ideas on the features of their subject, but must adhere to work within the defined guidelines. They are not subject to change like growth, sickness or death which can only affect the earth-bound incarnation of Buddha. Heavy with symbolism, these guidelines enable the Buddhist artisan to create beatiful icons of religious art.

Wat Chaiya Mangkalaram is a Siamese temple on Lorong Burma, or Burma Road in Pulau Tikus, Penang Malaysia. Built in 1845, this large complex houses a 33 meter long Reclining Buddha, once touted as the third largest Reclining Buddha in the world. This record has most likely been surpassed in the past few years by other more ambitious projects, however, the icon still is impressive in its size and stature. The body of this statue is made of gold leaf, while the white of the eyes and the toenails are composed completely of Mother-of-Pearl. While not visable in this picture, Buddha's hair in pulled to a point. This point symbolises Buddha's greatest enlightenment. This is called the "enlightenment elevation" and is sybolic of the spiritual power as one strives toward heaven. Also, between the eyes is a dot or "third eye" symbolic of spiritual vision.

The image of Buddha holds and expresses of serenity. The Reclining Buddha, in this state, represents the moment of buddha's death where he achieves Nirvana. The serene look, the relaxed pose, the head resting in one hand all reflect the peaceful moment achieved when one achieves the highest state of being. The hall in which this Buddha is housed is also called the Hall of the Thousand Buddhas. If you look closely at the picture, you will see on the walls little golden sculptures on the wall. A note of interest, behind this Buddha that represents the moment of death and the

achievement of Nirvana is a masoleum, holding the ashes of cremated Buddhist worshipers. Quite possibly the Reclining Buddha serves as a great sentry for those who have passed over and achieved Nirvana.

An interesting side note, you cannot enter the temple with your shoes on. Posted outside the door was this warning.

Makes you think the irony of it all, doesn't it?

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Directly across Lorong Burma stands the Dhammikarama Burmese Buddhist Temple.

Gilded roof and entryway to the Burmese Temple.

One of two sentries standing guard at the entrance. These are called Naga or Dragon monsters and are thought to be good benevolant creatures who protect the faithful.

Here is housed the International Hall of Buddhas as well as the 27 foot tall Standing Buddha

While unable to capture both side of the hallway, this walkway has International Buddhas from around the world.

An International Buddha from a Temple in Mynamar, formerly known as Burma. Note the charactistic elongated earlobes and hand positions also known as Mundras. This is called the Vitarka Mudra and is a The Gesture of Debate.

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The Standing Buddha of Dhammikarama

Note the constistent proprotions in this icon. This Buddha holds the "third eye" of spiritual sight as well as the enlightened elevation at the top of his head. He has the charactistic elongated earlobes and holds the look of serenity on his face. He is swathed in the golden robes of a monk, but what is interesting is his hands.

The hands are proportionally larger than the rest of his body, giving him an other-worldly look. His hands are placed in the Mudra position. The right hand is in the Abhaya Mudra or The Gesture of Fearlessness while the left hand is in the Tarjani Mudra or Gesture Warding Off Evil. Upon his right hand is engraved a circle with spokes, symbolic of the Wheel of Law in which the devoted must disembark to achieve enlightenment. This Buddha is the great protector, warding off evil and guiding the way to Nirvana.

These two buddhas hold as many similarities as they do differences. While each have the basic forms of the Buddha, the elongated earlobe, the "third eye", the elevated enlightment, they each represent different points on the Buddist journey. The Standing Buddha is the protector and guide of the living and the Reclining Buddha represents a symbolic guard to the dead.

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