Phuoc Hoa Temple Main Hall: Sakyamuni Buddha

VIETNAM, Ho Chi Minh City

The Buddha sits in full lotus position backed by a large mandorla that is the main focus of interest. The right hand holds a lotus bud while in the left is a Buddha image. An auspicious swastika symbol appears on the chest.
The mandorla illustrates four incidents from the Buddha’s life. The twin trees beneath which the Buddha passed into parinirvana are on either side at the bottom. Monks surround his bed on the left and crowd together watching on the right. The scenes of his birth, his attainment of enlightenment, and teaching the Dharma are further up. Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Ksitigarbha, Samantabhadra, and Maitreya are among the attending Bodhisattvas. Standing on either side of the Buddha’s shoulders are his disciples Mahakasyapa and Ananda. The rim is decorated with coiling dragons and children making offerings of peaches or vases.