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在线翻译:
szdaily -> Travel -> 
The Buddha’s footprints
    2016-01-18  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

    James Baquet

    jamesbaquet@gmail.com

    WHEN writing about the Wheel of Dharma, I mentioned that earlier Buddhists were reluctant to represent the Buddha in human form, considering it to be disrespectful. Thus the artists turned to “aniconic” (without icon) representations — that is, images without human figures.

    The wheel in that article was one such substitute; others include an umbrella, an empty throne and a riderless horse.

    Somewhere between aniconic and an actual representation of the Buddha’s body are the Buddha’s footprints, which can be found in many forms. At one temple in Japan, I saw them carved on a flat rock. It was said that walking on them would relieve sore feet.

    More commonly, they are found on steles, such as at Wolong Temple in Xi’an. Typically they are filled with symbols, usually including some or all of the “Eight Auspicious Signs.” These are:

    — A conch shell, the blowing of which makes a beautiful sound, like the sound of the Buddha’s teachings (it also wakes people up);

    — An endless knot, symbolizing eternity, long life, or the interconnection of all things;

    — A pair of fish, representing India’s two great rivers, the Ganges and the Yamuna, as well as freedom;

    — A lotus, representing the arising of purity out of worldly debris;

    — An umbrella, sign of royalty and protection;

    — A vase of treasure, symbolizing spiritual riches;

    — A banner of victory over delusion; and

    — The Wheel of Dharma, again representing the Buddha’s teachings.

    Naturally, the swastika, a common mark of Buddhism, is also found, sometimes even one for each toe!

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