Many different sutras contain descriptions of the thirty-two marks and eighty characteristics, each with slight variations.
The eighty notable characteristics are:
- Top of his head not visible to others.
- A prominent nose with well-concealed nostrils.
- Eyebrows shaped like a new moon.
- Large, round ears that are long and thick.
- A strong body.
- Closely-fit bones.
- When he turns, his whole body turns, just like a majestic elephant.
- Leaves imprints as he walks.
- Red fingernails.
- Full, rounded knees.
- A clean body.
- Soft, smooth skin.
- Straight, erect posture.
- Round, slender fingers.
- Fine fingerprints.
- No visible veins.
- Well-concealed heel bones.
- A supple, smooth body.
- A round, full body.
- A straight, steady, focused gait.
- A dignified appearance.
- Peaceful and calm deportment.
- A stable posture when standing.
- A majestic presence.
- A pleasing appearance.
- A perfectly sized face.
- Unperturbed demeanor.
- A beautiful, complete face.
- Red lips.
- A voice that carries.
- A deep, round navel.
- Hair that curls to the right.
- Long arms that reach below the knees.
- Flexible arms and legs.
- Clear, straight palm-lines.
- Fine, long palm-lines.
- Unbroken palm-lines.
- Brings joy to those who see him.
- A perfect, broad face.
- A face full like the moon.
- Peaceful, joyful speech.
- Fragrant pores.
- Fragrant breath.
- Appearance awe-inspiring like that of a lion.
- Gait steady like that of an elephant.
- Steps airy like that of a goose king.
- A well-formed forehead.
- A clearly audible voice.
- White teeth.
- A bright red tongue.
- A long, thin tongue.
- Thick body hair.
- Soft, clean body hair.
- Big, wide eyes.
- A clean, unobstructed airway connecting the seven openings of the face.
- Lotus-colored hands and feet.
- A well-concealed navel.
- An abdomen that does not protrude.
- A well-sized abdomen.
- Steady, stable body.
- A sturdy, stable body.
- A large frame.
- Soft, clean hands and feet.
- A ten-foot halo.
- A glowing halo.
- Treats all sentient beings equally.
- A majestic appearance.
- Does not slight any sentient being.
- An even voice.
- Able to vary his teaching methods.
- Teaches according to the circumstances.
- Though speaking with one voice, sentient beings receive many teachings according to their needs.
- Adapts his teachings according to the spiritual maturity of the listener.
- Can be seen with endlessly different appearances.
- An appearance one wishes to see again.
- Long, healthy hair.
- Long, neat hair.
- Neatly curled hair.
- Dark-colored hair.
- A virtuous appearance.
This list is from Seeing the Buddha, by Venerable Master Hsing Yun.
The analysis of the mind in Buddhism is both multifaceted and sophisticated. As a spiritual practice, Buddhism contains numerous descriptions of the nature and function of the mind and instructions on how to search for, abide with, and refine it. In this regard, Buddhist psychology has much to offer, as does Western psychology.In the beginning, “psychology” referred almost exclusively to “a science that explains the Read more
In the past, during the feudal period of Chinese history, men were respected while women were thought of as being rather contemptible. The birth of a son was compared to fashioning an ornament as precious as jade, which not only made everyone happy, but also raised the status of his mother. Read more
Control of the body means that we know when to act, and when not to act and that we know how to behave with moderation. Read more