THE
BUDDHA’S COMPLEXION AND COUNTENANCE
The complexion
(chavivaṇṇa) is
the colour and condition of the facial skin and the countenance
(mukha) is the expression on the face. Complexion is one
of the five types of human beauty; the others
being beautiful hair, muscle structure, teeth and youth. In ancient
India a complexion which was 'not too dark
and not too fair' was considered the most desirable. Our complexion
is influenced by physical factors like genetics, health, diet and
climate. However, our psychological state has some influence on our
complexion too and it is the major factor in shaping our
countenance. The numerous muscles in the face are unique in that
they are attached to the facial skin, surrounding and radiating
from the eyes, mouth, nose and ears. Our emotions make these
muscles expand or contract which influences blood flow to the skin
and thus skin colour. Emotions that have become habitual can cause
some muscles to be permanently tight or loose changing the contours
of the face so that the skin becomes smooth or
wrinkled.
Popular wisdom says that a person’s
heart is written on their face and there is
an element of truth in this saying. Fear or worry can make the eyes
sink into their sockets, the cheeks droop and the skin become pale.
An explosive temper can make the face red and in time cause the
capillaries to become visible (dhamanisanthatagatta) so
that the skin has a blotchy appearance. A persistently angry,
critical or haughty outlook can give the skin a dark hue and make
the ends of the mouth turn down into a sneer.
In numerous places throughout the
scriptures the Buddha is described as having a golden-coloured skin
(kañcanasannibhattaca), exceptionally smooth skin
(sukhumacchavi) and clear and radiant faculties
(vippasannāni indriyāni. This outer beauty was a direct
result of his inner transformation. The experience of enlightenment had dissolved all greed, hatred and
perplexity creating space for the unrestricted expression of
love, kindness,
detachment and clarity. This in turn gave the Buddha a beautiful
complexion and countenance that lasted even into his old
age.
A sure sign of progress in meditation is that the face develops a more noticeably
calm and pleasant demeanour (bhadramukha). Those who are
able to spend longer periods in meditation and whose practice is
fruitful, are sometimes reported as having radiant complexions.
This is particularly true for those doing loving-kindness meditation or who have attained any of
the four jhānas. The Buddha
commented that those who live more in the present tend to have a
‘radiant color’ (vaṇṇo
pasīdati).
Buddhism A
To Z