Good Luck Charms These small tablets of baked clay, all holding images of the Buddha, could be considered the earliest tourist souvenirs. Many early pilgrims visiting sacred sites carried home these portable Buddhist icons. One practice that was followed was for the remains of senior monks to be ground up into the clay, which fostered the belief that such tablets contain special powers.
Today, votive tablets are commonly sold as protective amulets. They are also popular as home decorations, inset into various types of wooden panels, such as old window shutters. Sometimes the Buddha charms are also made of bronze.
Buddha Positions These icons depict the Buddha in various poses, each representing a distinct idea. For example, the seated Buddha who has the fingertips of his right hand reaching toward the ground is in the "Earth is my Witness" position. It refers to the moment of Buddha's enlightenment. (Click for more about this position.) The standing Buddha is called "Buddha Placing his Footprint." The position of his hand -- raised, palm forward, fingers upright -- is the "Blessing All" or "No Fear" position. (Click for more about this position.) The Buddha who is covering his face with his hands is the uniquely Thai "Closed-Eye Buddha" who covers his eyes to see no evil. This is sometimes also referred to as the "Crying Buddha." Other tablets show Buddha in the lotus position, meditating. This position represents balance and tranquility.
