Important Replies from Holy Monks#
Responses from the Consultation Center of the World Buddhist Headquarters to Inquirers#
Lunar Calendar, 22nd day of the first month
Answer 22:
The fine white hair between the eyebrows of the Buddha's thirty-two physical characteristics cannot be seen by everyone. Those who lack the necessary conditions, those who speak falsely about the Buddha or Bodhisattvas, those who insincerely speak lies about the Buddha, those who are extremely selfish, those who break important precepts, those with unwholesome minds, those who are demonic and evil, those who do not sincerely study and practice Buddhism, and all those who lack the conditions and blessings to behold the Buddha's thirty-two characteristics, are unable to see certain aspects of the Buddha's thirty-two characteristics. In fact, it has been proven that in December of last year, hundreds of people saw the true appearance of the Buddha, the Third Dharma King, with his thirty-two characteristics. His face was like the finest red coral, some saw it shining like the sun, so bright that their eyes couldn't open, while others saw it radiating a beautiful red glow. As for the white hair between the eyebrows, some saw only one strand, while others saw many strands that couldn't be counted. Some saw it coiled like a pearl, while others saw it straight like a sharp sword, with varying lengths and emitting different auspicious lights. At the same time, some people didn't see the white hair, some saw the flat teeth, and some didn't see that but clearly saw the appearance of the Buddha with two completely different expressions of great compassion. However, only over seventy people saw the thirty-two characteristics, while over twenty people present at the same time did not see them. In fact, the thirty-two characteristics of the Buddha are not fixed and vary in different interpretations. Only the topknot, the white hair between the eyebrows, the flat teeth, and the chest bearing the swastika are relatively consistent. The other characteristics are difficult to explain and vary according to each person's understanding and perspective. Especially since the Buddha manifests different appearances according to the conditions and circumstances of different realms, such as in heaven, among humans, and in the animal realm. This is mentioned in the Agama Sutras and can be found explained in encyclopedias online. Therefore, the appearance of the Buddha, such as the fine red coral, the shining sun, and the varying lengths of the white hair between the eyebrows, may differ, and people present at the same time will see different things due to different conditions. This is why the thirty-two characteristics of the Buddha are not fixed.
Consultation Center of the World Buddhist Headquarters
Representatives of the Great Holy Monks answering questions
March 9, 2018