What is the dot on the forehead of many figures?
This is one of thirty-two special characteristics of a Buddha or one on the immediate threshold of becoming a Buddha. The dot is sometimes likened to a cosmic eye from which emanates the light of wisdom, or a third eye signifying the Buddha’s or Bodhisattva’s supreme insight. It can also be shown as a curl of white hair in the center of the brow. Long earlobes, another prominent trait, may have their origins in the ancient custom of Indian royalty wearing lobestretching earrings. As Sakyamuni Buddha was originally a royal prince, he most likely had worn such adornment. In both Chinese and Buddhist cultures, long earlobes are equated with longevity. Other Buddha characteristics include: a Sauvastika on the chest, three folds on the neck, long arms, curly hair which forms a top knot and a Dharma wheel on the palm of the hand and/or the soles of the feet.
