Images of the Buddha can be idented by distinctive psysical characteristics postures and hand gestures.
The most conspicuous are the ushnisha, a cranial bump indicating special wisdom; the urna, a round tuft of hair between the eyebrows, indicating supernatural vision; short curled hair, indicating nobility (ancient Indian royality wore huge heavy earrings that stretched the lobes)
The ushnisha sometimes takes the form of a flame, indicating illumination.
A Buddha’s expression is mostly serene, the eyes half- closed in meditation and a gentle smile on the lips.
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