Rare and Revered Depictions of the Buddha in Buddhist Art

Unique Buddha art captures the rare and lesser-seen depictions of the Buddha that lie at the heart of Buddhist visual culture’s richness and diversity. They offer a compelling glimpse into the many ways enlightened presence is expressed, honored, and invoked. As the Buddha stands as the heart and soul of this artistic tradition, he is the symbol, spiritual base, and visual representation of awakened wisdom. From the ancient stone carvings at Bharhut and Sanchi to the stunning murals of Ajanta and the detailed thangkas of the Himalayas, his image has remained the most impactful and transformative motif in Buddhist visual culture.

Interestingly, in the earliest phases of Buddhist art, especially before the 1st century CE, the Buddha was not depicted in human form at all. Instead, he was represented through symbolic elements such as the Bodhi tree, an empty throne, the Dharma wheel, or most notably, his footprints (buddhapada). These aniconic representations reflected both a reverence for his transcendence and an early reluctance to depict the enlightened one in a bodily form.

While the seated Shakyamuni in meditation is undoubtedly the most iconic and recognized image, the artistic tradition surrounding the Buddha is incredibly diverse, shaped by factors like geography, lineage, ritual practices, and changing interpretations of doctrine. Over the centuries, artists and devotees have created countless representations of the Buddha, each reflecting different aspects of his enlightened actions and his significance across various times, places, and the full range of human experiences.

These forms go beyond mere symbolism. They play essential roles in rituals, support meditative practices, and express deep philosophical insights. In various artworks, be it paintings, sculptures, or architectural designs; the Buddha is depicted not just as the historical figure from ancient India, but also as an eternal healer, a guardian, a cosmic guide, and a witness to personal transformation. Below is a list of some of the unique Buddha artforms available at Enlightenment Thangka:

1. Buddhas of the Three Times: Past, Present, and Future Enlightenment

The Buddhas of the Three Times: Dipankara, Shakyamuni, and Maitreya, symbolize the timeless flow of enlightened beings who emerge across different ages (kalpas) to share the Dharma. This trio highlights a fundamental Buddhist concept: awakening isn't limited to a single individual or time period; rather, it is a continually renewing expression of wisdom that responds to the needs of all sentient beings.

In ancient Buddhist stories, Dipankara, the Buddha from the past, is one of the earliest Buddhas mentioned in recorded history. His tale is intricately linked to the karmic roots of our present Buddha, Shakyamuni. According to the Jataka tales and the Lalitavistara Sutra, Dipankara once visited a town where a young ascetic named Sumedha had given up worldly life in search of spiritual truth. When Sumedha saw Dipankara coming, he threw himself down and unbound his matted hair, spreading it over a muddy spot so the Buddha wouldn’t dirty his feet. In gratitude for this act of devotion, Dipankara foretold that Sumedha would be reborn as Gautama Buddha, the next enlightened being to appear in a future age.

This moment marks the karmic beginning of Shakyamuni’s journey as a bodhisattva. Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha of our current era, is the most recognized of the three. Born as Siddhartha Gautama in India during the 6th–5th century BCE, he attained enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree and set the wheel of Dharma in motion. His teachings laid the groundwork for all Buddhist schools and artistic expressions.

Maitreya, the Buddha of the future, holds a unique place in both early and Mahayana Buddhism. It is said that he currently resides in Tushita Heaven, a celestial realm of Bodhisattvas, patiently waiting for the moment when the Dharma on Earth has completely faded. When the next age dawns, Maitreya will descend to Earth, be born into a royal family, achieve enlightenment, and once again set the Dharma wheel in motion for a new generation. His artistic representation is quite distinctive: he’s often depicted seated in a Western-style posture, with his feet on the ground.

This composition is a beautiful example of unique Buddha art, depicting the past, present, and the future Buddha together. This thangka truly symbolizes the continuous flow of enlightenment across time, reminding practitioners of the ever-present path to awakening.

2. Six Buddhas of the Six Realms: Enlightenment for Every State of Existence

The Wheel of Life, or Bhavachakra, stands out as one of the most impactful and lasting visual teachings in Buddhist art. It vividly depicts the never-ending cycle of samsara- birth, death, and rebirth; driven by karma and our own delusions. At the core of this concept are the three poisons: ignorance, attachment, and aversion. These poisons revive the twelve links of dependent origination, leading to rebirth in one of six possible realms: gods, demi-gods (asuras), humans, animals, hungry ghosts (pretas), and hell beings. 

In the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions, these realms are more than just places in the cosmos; they serve as psychological metaphors, reflecting different states of mind or patterns of suffering that individuals may experience, even within a single lifetime. To effectively address the unique challenges of each realm, the Buddha appears in six distinct forms, known collectively as the Six Munis or Six Sages. Each of these figures presents the Dharma in a way that is specifically designed to resonate with the emotional and karmic conditions prevalent in that realm.

The Six Realms and Their Corresponding Buddhas

Realm	Dominant Affliction	Associated Buddha (Muni)
God Realm (Deva)	Pride	Indraśakra
Demigod Realm (Asura)	Jealousy	Vemacitra
Human Realm (Manusya)	Attachment	Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha)
Animal Realm (Tiryag)	Ignorance	Sthīrasiṃha
Hungry Ghost Realm (Preta)	Greed	Jvālamukha
Hell Realm (Naraka)	Hatred	Yāma Dharmarāja

 

The six Buddhas are often shown encircling the Bhavachakra or depicted within the corresponding realms themselves in thangkas. Each Muni is portrayed with its own unique features: distinct hand gestures (mudras), robes, colors, and halos, all representing their special approach to skillful means (upaya). Their arrangement isn’t just for show—it serves a deeper purpose, both educational and devotional. These images play a vital role in meditation, visualization, and initiation rites, guiding practitioners to face their habitual tendencies and nurture the virtues that correspond with them.

3. Eight Medicine Buddhas: Healing Light of Enlightenment

While Bhaisajyaguru with his radiant lapis lazuli-blue skin is the most revered of the Eight Medicine Buddhas, the others play essential roles as well, each representing a unique healing vow they made on their journey to enlightenment. Together, they create a mandala of medicine, a sacred framework for healing that encompasses not just physical restoration but also karmic cleansing and spiritual growth. On the other side, the eight medicine Buddhas being depicted together makes it a unique Buddha art.

The Eight Medicine Buddhas are:

1. Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Master, King of Lapis Lazuli Light)

He vowed to eliminate diseases, provide medicine, and bring relief to those in poverty or lacking resources. According to Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha Raja Sutra, he pledges to help beings who sincerely call upon his name, promising rebirth in his pure land of Vaiduryanirbhasa.

Also called the Lapis Lazuli Master, Bhaisajyaguru made the 12 great vows aimed at healing individuals on physical, mental, and spiritual levels. He pledges to eradicate illness, promote health and well-being, alleviate poverty, and lead beings toward enlightenment. A standout promise is that anyone who earnestly invokes his name will find rebirth in his pure land, the "Pure Lapis Lazuli Realm." The sutra is available in various translations, including a popular Chinese version translated by Xuanzang in the 7th century.

Rea more about Medicine Buddha: 12 Great Vows of the Lapis Lazuli Master here.

2. Ashokottama

Ashokottama, meaning “Supremely Noble, Free from Sorrow”, vowed to relieve beings of deep emotional sufferings; grief, despair, and mental distress. According to the Eight Thousand Verses Principally Revealing Instructions on the Practice of the Medicine Buddhas, he appeared with the other Medicine Buddhas as Shakyamuni revealed their healing vows to thousands of disciples in the ancient city of Vaishali.

He is especially invoked in death rituals and prayers for the dying, helping ease transitions and bringing peace to troubled minds. His image and mantra are used to soothe emotional pain and guide beings through sorrow and the bardo state.

3. Suvarnabhadra Vimala

Known as the “Pure and Radiant One of Auspicious Gold,” Suvarnabhadra Vimala vowed to dispel ignorance and illusion. According to the Bhaisajyaguru Vaiduryaprabha Raja Sutra, he made a solemn commitment to illuminate the minds of those mired in confusion and moral blindness. It is believed that his golden light is said to bring ethical clarity to rulers and leaders, ensuring that they govern with wisdom, justice, and compassion. His presence is invoked during rituals for restoring right conduct and social harmony.

4. Abhijna Raja

He is called the “King of Supernatural Powers,” due to his vow to restore memory, clarity, and dignity to those afflicted by delusions, slander, or cognitive decline. He specifically helps beings whose karmic burdens have led to loss of mental stability or unjust public shame. In traditional narratives, he is invoked by those suffering memory loss, mental confusion, or spiritual amnesia, offering a path back to mental clarity and self-respect.

5. Suparikirti Tantra Nama Sri

The “Glorious One with Perfect Renown in Tantra,” Suparikirti Tantra Nama Sri is dedicated to healing the pain that comes from broken vows and spiritual setbacks. His significance shines particularly in tantric traditions, where violations of samaya (sacred commitments) are seen as major hurdles on the path to enlightenment. Drawing from the teachings of the Medicine Buddha, he helps restore pure intentions and re-establishes the connection between practitioners and their original vows. People often call upon him during rituals aimed at renewing vows and seeking spiritual healing.

6. Nirghosa Raja

The “King of Melodious Sound,” Nirghosa Raja vowed to help beings regain truthful and courageous speech. He is traditionally called upon to heal those who have been silenced either by trauma, karmic causes, or social repression. His vow includes restoring eloquence, honesty, and communicative power. In ritual texts, he is described as bringing harmony through sound, and his blessings are sought by those who teach, recite mantras, or seek to speak with compassion and clarity.

7. Shakyamuni (The Historical Buddha)

While he may not be mentioned as one of the original seven mentioned in every version of the Medicine Buddha Sutra, Shakyamuni is recognized as the eighth in Tibetan traditions. His role among the Medicine Buddhas highlights the idea that the true remedy for suffering lies in the Dharma itself. During the visionary moment at Vaishali, he stands alongside the other Medicine Buddhas, sharing their vows with a large audience. This inclusion underscores the belief that awakening and healing go hand in hand, with wisdom being the ultimate form of medicine.

8. Dharmakirti Sagara

Dharmakirti Sagara's name translates to “Ocean of Dharma Reputation.” He dedicated himself to safeguarding the true teachings of the Buddha. In the Bhaisajyaguru Sutra, he provides healing for those who are lost in a sea of false beliefs, tainted lineages, or who have lost their faith in the Dharma. People call upon him when they want to reconnect with authentic spiritual teachings, believing that his blessings can help clear up misunderstandings, eliminate misguided views, and bring them back in line with the genuine path.

The Eight Medicine Buddhas often grace a symmetrical mandala, serving not just as a visual delight but as a spiritual framework which makes a healing space filled with enlightened energies. During rituals and meditation, practitioners chant their names and mantras, each one resonating with a unique vibrational medicine. Bhaisajyaguru’s mantra is:

Tayata Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha

This mantra is recited to heal ailments and promote longevity.

Similarly, these Buddhas are found in thangkas and murals to denote as vibrant conduits of spiritual energy. Their representations are imbued with life through consecration rites, making them spiritually potent. Artists, steeped in traditional lineages, adhere to specific iconographic guidelines, ensuring that every detail—color, posture, mudra, and attributes acts as a visual remedy. Each brushstroke plays a role in fostering a contemplative healing experience.

4. Thirty-Five Confession Buddhas: The Purifying Power of Repentance

The Thirty-Five Confession Buddhas originate from the Sutra of the Three Heaps (Triskandhaka Sutra), a key Mahayana text that emphasizes ethical purification, karmic confession, and the renewal of vows. This ritual is widely practiced in Tibetan and East Asian traditions, serving as a fundamental part of daily purification for both monastics and lay practitioners. It revolves around three main components; confessing wrongdoings, celebrating virtues, and reaffirming bodhisattva vows; hence, the name "Three Heaps."

Each of the Thirty-Five Buddhas represents a distinct aspect of wisdom, compassion, and karmic cleansing. When practitioners recite their names while performing full-body prostrations, it’s not just a symbolic gesture; it’s a powerful act of surrender, humility, and transformation. This practice is often done in front of thangkas or murals, or it can be vividly visualized with deep devotion and presence.

A timeless story from Tibetan tradition tells of the remarkable 14th-century master Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school. He dedicated himself to performing 100,000 prostrations to the Thirty-Five Buddhas over several months. During this solitary retreat at Wölkha, he aimed to clear away obstacles to his understanding. It was in this period of deep reflection that he reportedly experienced visions of Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom, who appeared to him right after his karmic obscurations had been lifted showing just how powerful the practice of Confession Buddha can be.

In this traditional Je Tsongkhapa thangka tradition, the Buddhas are arranged in a symmetrical formation encircling the central figure of Shakyamuni Buddha, the "King of the Shakyas." 

This 35 Buddhas thangka follows the Je Tsongkhapa system, where: the Tathagatas hold distinctive hand gestures or ritual items. Prostrating to each Buddha in this sequence is believed to purify one of the ten non-virtues, five heinous actions, and obscurations to omniscience. Hence, this artwork is considered one of the unique Buddha artforms.

5. Ten Direction Buddhas: The Infinite Presence of Enlightenment

In Buddhist cosmology, the universe is not confined to just one plane; instead, it stretches out across an infinite, multidimensional expanse. Central to this immense spiritual landscape is the idea of the ten directions which is looked over by ten Buddhas:

1. East
2. South
3. West
4. North
5. Northeast
6. Southeast
7. Southwest
8. Northwest
9. Zenith (Above)
10. Nadir (Below)
    

Each of these directions is thought to be home to a Buddha, collectively known as the Ten Direction Buddhas (daśa dik-buddhāḥ). In various sutras, like the Lotus Sutra (Saddharma Puṇḍarīka Sūtra) and the Avataṃsaka Sutra (Flower Garland Sutra), these Buddhas are called upon as witnesses to the truth of the Dharma, protectors of vows, or sources of refuge. They are often depicted as appearing in the sky during important teachings, showering their blessings from their distinct realms. For instance, in the Avataṃsaka Sutra, when the bodhisattva Sudhana is on his quest for enlightenment, he’s guided to meet countless spiritual teachers across the ten directions. This beautifully illustrates that every corner of space holds a piece of awakened wisdom.

In the practice of rituals, particularly within tantric Buddhism, the Ten Direction Buddhas are visualized as part of creating a sacred mandala, making it a unique Buddha art. They form an outer ring around a central figure to represent the dharmakāya, the all-encompassing truth body of the Buddha. This cosmic setup is known as the Buddha-kṣetra, or Buddha-field, and it creates a meditative space that feels both limitless and secure. 

At its core, the Ten Direction Buddhas are more than just a cosmic map, they embody the deep connection between space and enlightenment. Their presence serves as a gentle reminder to practitioners that no matter where they are, whether standing, meditating, or dreaming, they're always close to their Buddha nature. The universe isn't an empty void; it's a vibrant field filled with awakened energy.

Conclusion: Rediscovering Buddha in the Language of Art

Unique Buddha art goes beyond just being a tribute; it’s a vibrant expression of wisdom brought to life. These lesser-known portrayals of the Buddha show just how intricately the visual tradition is interwoven with practice, philosophy, and visionary experiences. They don’t just depict the Buddha; they bring his presence to life. Each representation whether cosmic, therapeutic, protective, or confessional serves as a gateway to deeper understanding, encouraging practitioners to not only observe but to engage, reflect, and transform. 

The Buddha is truly a dynamic embodiment of awakened response, shaped by culture, need, and devotion. In these artworks, we find a Dharma that feels alive, traveling through different eras and regions, yet always anchored in the fundamental goal of liberation. Encountering these unique Buddhas reminds us that awakening isn’t something far-off or abstract. It speaks to us through color, gesture, and light, reaching us not just through words, but through the power of vision.