? Why...?

[Clanger]

Why is it that most paintings and statues of Buddha have eyes barely open or seemingly looking down? Does anyone know the answer...
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[TheShaggyDA]

Stoned.
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Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[tokarev]

I would say that it is probably to show the Buddha's state. He is in nirvana.

He could also be meditating (showing peace of mind - nirvana).

I am not too sure though, it is an educated guess.

[Leggy_Girl]

The eyes being half closed or looking down is meant to represent a wise and calm state, but it's the rest of the rupa's body which holds meaning. usually the size of the ears, the position of the hands and the physical figure of the Buddha rupa are the important things, and often vary, but the eyes always stay the same as you've noticed
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"One moment can change a day, one day can change a life and one life can change the world." Siddhartha Gautama

[TheShaggyDA]

Or Gin.
____________________
Current: CB500 Previous: CB100N, CB250RS, XJ900F, GT550, GPZ750R/1000RX, AJS M16, R100RT, Enfield Bullet

[i:6e3bfc7581]But still I fear and still I dare not laugh at the madman...[/i:6e3bfc7581]

[Robby]

[Clanger]