Phra Hoo Yahn (พระหูยาน)

Thai. ‘Drooping Ears Buddha’, which is sometimes freely translated as ‘Long Earlobes Buddha’. A Buddhist amulet that is part of the five Phra Yod Khunphon. It originates from Wat Phra Sri Rattanamahathat in Lopburi, and is cast from iron. It depicts a Buddha image seated in the half lotus position on a lotus pedestal (fig.), while performing the maravijaya mudra, i.e. a pose in which the Buddha's right hand touches the earth, and which is known in Pali as bhumisparsa (fig.). The amulet's name derives from the Buddha's elongated earlobes, which are the result of the wearing of heavy golden earrings during his time as a prince, prior to renouncing his royal life. See also POSTAGE STAMPS. 回