A Postscript on the Reclining Buddha

Several readers took time to reply to my last post and explain that yes, reclining Buddhas are more frequently found in Southeast Asia.  Another correspondent (Jacques Huynen by name) also shared this further insight - specifically that the statue I encountered in the lobby depicts Buddha reclining at the moment of entering parinirvâna, lying on his right side, head supported by his right hand and one foot folded over the other.

I find this incredibly moving.  The sensuous and physical beauty that I found so compelling in this statue may simply be better understood as the beauty of death.  As the Buddha said to his followers in the moment of yielding -- Strive with diligence!

As a further addendum, here is the result of my striving this morning - this is the poem I translated by Han Shan, the poet of Cold Mountain.

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What is created 

By hand best displays

Through warp and weft

The magnificent grace

Of the human spirit

By birth we inherit

The body’s limits

By death we become

A nameless ghost

From ancient times

It’s been this way

No matter how

We may strive 

To the contrary

White clouds come

And fill the interior

Thus teaching us the song

Of Immortal longing