Buddha (literally ”awakened one”) is actually a title given to the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama. Of all the figures in Buddhism, the Buddha himself might be the most popular in tattoo imagery. Symbolic of all that his life and enlightenment represented, he is frequently portrayed in tattoo much as he is in Buddhist art—with a serene and beautiful face, in cross-legged meditative position, and with hands in a meaningful gesture (mudra). In this example, the hands form a mudra that symbolizes turning the DHARMA WHEEL. The Buddha represents an escape from the grasp of worldly concerns, compassion for all others, and wisdom. He was moved by the suffering of others and devoted his life to teaching ways in which that suffering could be confronted and overcome. Tattoo Symbol Meaning www.tattoobody.org