An Analytical Study of Buddha’s Footprints in the Lakkhaṇa Sutta

Abstract

This thesis aims to achieve three objectives: 1) to study the structure and content of the Lakkhaṇa Sutta, (2) to examine the characteristics of the Buddha’s footprints as presented in the Sutta, and (3) to analytically investigate the characteristics of the Buddha’s footprints in terms of their doctrinal significance. This study employs a qualitative documentary research methodology, drawing upon the Tipiṭaka, its commentaries, as well as related academic works and research studies. Data were analyzed through content analysis and synthesis, and the findings are presented descriptively. The results reveal that: 1) the Lakkhaṇa Sutta is a significant discourse delivered by the Buddha to Venerable Ānanda, in which He explains that the thirty-two marks of a great man (mahāpurisa-lakkhaṇa) arise from the accumulation of wholesome actions and the continuous cultivation of perfections (pāramī) over a long period, resulting in the perfection of the Buddha’s physical form; 2) among these marks, the characteristics of the Buddha’s footprints possess both physical and symbolic meanings physically reflecting the perfection of the Buddha’s body, and symbolically representing important virtues such as stability, purity, and the progression toward the proclamation of the Dhamma; (3) analytically, the Buddha’s footprints should not be understood merely as physical attributes, but as symbolic representations of the results of accumulated merit and the cultivation of perfections, which also hold significance in terms of Buddhist art, belief systems, and their application as a guideline for self-development in accordance with Buddhist teachings.