Friday, October 8, 2010

Buddha and the Beach

I was searching for some unrelated thing a week or so ago, and I stumbled upon this statue:
Does it look familiar?
The name of the statue is “The Final Nirvana of the Blessed One.” The position is a staple of Buddhist imagery.

When I saw it, I did a double take. It is stunningly reminiscent of one of the classic poses for a swimsuit model.
This description is from that link: “the left foot is positioned right on top of the right foot.”
It’s not a natural position to be in, and it would be uncomfortable after a while, but swimsuit models do it to give us a survey of the real estate.
I love this pose. There’s something so archetypal about a girl in a swimsuit on her side, legs together, head propped up.
Also from that link, it is “important especially to note the difference in position of the right hand.” If it is propping the head up, like these glamorous beauties, he is resting.
If it is at an angle, he is preaching his last prophesy.And if it is lying down next to the body, he has entered into Nirvana (passed away).
Our condolences to Paulina’s family. But it seems she has achieved transcendental enlightenment.

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