My Buddha Buddy
Unfolding Ancient Mysteries
Strange Hairdo
For over twenty years, I’ve been curious about Buddha’s head cover. Is it stylized hair pointing in the direction of the rising sun? But I thought Buddha was bald. Maybe it’s a pullover skull cap for meditation to enhance his connection with the ethers?
But I never suspected that the swirls on his head could be dried snails. One legend recants a time when Buddha went into a deep meditation under the scorching sun. One-hundred and eight* snails crawled onto his head, sacrificing their lives to keep him from suffering a heat-head-heart-stroke. Buddha busts commemorate this act of sacrifice by sculpting little swirls symbolizing the dried snails.
Sagging Ear Lobes
They are a reminder that he was once weighed down by family wealth and position. The long ears and the lack of ear adornments symbolize his renouncement of both.
And yet another story says that his elongated earlobes are a reminder to all of us to listen for what is needed in the world.
Eyes Open or Closed?
Actually, they are half open indicating his willingness to look outward and inward during his meditations. That’s curious, I always thought they would be closed, or perhaps I thought there’s more peace and tranquility to be ultimately found inward. There’s so much to explore and experience in either direction.
My Favorite Buddha
Aside from my Buddha Buddy, the 9th-century Chinese Zen Monk called the “laughing Buddha” is my favorite. He makes me smile inside and out. He loves children and always carries a sack of gifts for them. He’s a kind-hearted traveling soul bringing joy and enlightenment to all those along his wandering path.
One popular belief claims that by rubbing his belly you will be blessed with prosperity and good luck! No wonder temples and restaurants have them present to bring contentment and abundance simultaneously! He’s called Bo Dai in Vietnamese, Hotei in Japanese, and Bud Dai or Pu Tai in Chinese.
Meeting My Buddha Buddy
We met in an Asian antique store on Bainbridge Island just across from Seattle, Washington.
His scared face and broken elongated earlobe created an immediate emotional bond. Perfect he was not, but as my “Pirate Buddha” fresh from battle he became my instant hero of the courageous rebel in meditation.
I haggled with the shop’s owner over the outrageous price. The shop was closing permanently and my Buddha Buddy needed a new home. I emptied my wallet and handed him $87. I smiled, he smiled, Buddha smiled and I went home without any groceries.
My Buddha Buddy has moved with me seven times including three islands over the past twenty years. We’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and meditated until the sun came up more than once.
Buddha’s Final Resting Place
He’s resting peacefully in the tropical sun during the day and with the moon and constellations dancing about him at night. I promised Buddy that this is his last move. He’s home. We’re home. And we’re asking Pele to stay put in her mountain home, for a few more years at least!
P.S.
- One-hundred and eight is the same count as a mala or string of prayer beads. My Buddha Buddy has exactly eighty little swirls. I’m not sure what to make of that, yet! But I’m certain there’s a story to be told!
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