The Buddha

Born in 624 B.C. in what is now Nepal, Siddhartha became Buddha, the founder of the Buddhism religion. Legend has it that his mother, Queen Myadevi, had a vision that a white elephant had descended from heaven and entered her womb, indicating that she would give birth to a child who was both pure and powerful. The elephant indicated the child had come from Tushita heaven, the Pure Land of Buddha Maitreya. In contrast to many other Buddha depictions, this one shows the left hand up. This mudra symbolizes protection, peace and dispelling of fear. In Thailand and especially Laos, this mudra is associated with the walking Buddha, rather than one that is seated. This tapestry is backed with a lining and has a tunnel for easy hanging.