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.
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
Birth and death are realities of life. Regardless of who we are, we cannot escape either one. While birth is celebrated, death is feared by most. In order to cope with our fear, we often seek comfort in religion. Although each of the world’s major religious traditions has its own teaching concerning death, Buddhism is the only one that promotes the doctrine of impermanence as one Read more
Life is the most precious thing in the world, so it is imperative that we respect it in all its forms. Not only must we have regard for human life, we must also respect animal life and the life of any organism in our ecosystem. The worst offense a person can ever commit is to violate the life of others, or even to cause harm Read more