From Ch. 21 of the BTTS Lotus Sutra, The Spiritual Powers of the Tathagata

From The Wonderful Dharma Lotus Sutra, translated from the Chinese of Kumarajiva by The International Institute for the Translation of Buddhist Texts, and published by the Buddhist Text Translation Society, Ukiah, California, 2020.

[@Hamza_12348]

Hello, I have a question. I was watching a video about Mahavira, and here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5rPapeio8SHd68si=hC7Bp8Ub4nOwJNKk Someone wrote a comment saying: (I think its interesting how his Father's name was Siddhartha and his followers name was Gautama) , I know that Mahavira's father's name is Siddhartha. Was this a common name in India at that time? Also, this person said that Mahavira's followers were known as Gautama, is this true or false? I replied to him, but I want to make sure from you as an expert. Please review the video and that comment, and also, why is there confusion between Buddha and Mahavira? Are they the same person?"

[@namoamidabuts]

I do not know the answer, Hamza. But I have a Buddhist friend in India whom I will ask. He may be able to give a reply. -John

[@namoamidabuts]

He could only add that: "The followers of Mahavira were caled Jains/Jainas. It is true that his father's name was Siddartha, which is a common Indian name to date."

[@Hamza_12348]

@@namoamidabuts Yes, it would indeed be helpful to receive a response, and thank you very much. I'm sorry if I've troubled you. I think this person just got confused with names, and that's it , I would be happy to receive a response from an Indian person. Thank you again - Hamza

[@namoamidabuts]

Hello again, my friend. Regarding the physical appearance of the Buddha, there are certain Buddhist scriptures that speak of the Buddha having 32 marks. However, I think a more relevant answer to your question lies in the fact that each culture fashions its images of the Buddha in a way consistent with the appearance of people in that culture. That would only be a natural human tendency.

[@Hamza_12348]

​​​@@namoamidabuts Yes, thank you for the information. Also, his hair design is quite prevalent. Hence, I wanted to know the origin of that design, as I read a story about how 108 snails gathered and covered Buddha's head. Indeed, the design and features of Buddha statues vary from one region to another, but they do not accurately depict the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. They are simply attempts to embody positive attributes, and this practice began as early as the first century CE. However, its source is unknown; it may be part of folklore or for educational purposes. Therefore, some individuals with dark skin claim it has African origins because the hair design resembles African hair, but this is not true. Although many sutras in the Pali Canon indicate that he was bald like other monks, the statues did not adhere to these details and focused heavily on the 32 marks. This is regrettable. For example : In pali canon , in (Ariyapariyesanā Sutta) the Buddha describing how he began his quest for enlightenment, saying : So, at a later time, while still young, a black-haired young man endowed with the blessings of youth in the first stage of life-and while my parents, unwilling, were crying with tears streaming down their faces-I shaved off my hair & beard, put on the ochre robe and went forth from the home life into homelessness. Thank you very much again sir 🤍🙏🏻