Reading Buddhist art : an illustrated guide to Buddhist signs and symbols / Meher McArthur.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The Buddhist Pantheon -- Shakyamuni -- Bhaishajyaguru -- Maitreya -- Vairochana -- Akshobhya -- Amitabha, Amitayus -- Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi -- Avalokiteshvara -- Tara -- Akashagarbha -- Kshitigarbha -- Manjushri -- Samantabhadra -- Vajrapani -- Yama -- Yamantaka -- Mahakala -- Lokapala (Guardian Kings) -- Vaishravana, Kubera -- Gate Guardians -- The Five Kings of Mystical Knowledge -- Yidams -- Devas -- Prajnaparamita, Sarasvati, Marici -- Dakinis, Rakshas, Shaktis -- Ashuras, Yakshas, Apsaras -- Arhats -- Bodhidharma -- Padmasambhava -- Xuanzang, Atisha -- Kobo Daishi -- Facial Features -- The Thirty-Two Marks of a Great Man -- Hairstyles, Crowns and Headdresses -- Jewelry and Adornments -- Thrones and Aureoles -- Standing and Walking Postures -- Sitting Postures -- Lying Position -- Embracing Postures -- Gestures of Fearlessness, Gift Giving -- Gestures of Explanation, Turning of the Wheel of the Law -- Gestures of Earth-Touching, Meditation -- Fist of Wisdom, Gesture of Prayer -- Signs, Symbols and Ritual Objects -- The Eight Auspicious Symbols -- Footprints -- The Wheel of the Law -- Lotus -- Precious Jewel -- Swastika -- Trees -- Mountains -- Real Animals -- Mythical Animals -- Diamond Thunderbolt -- Weapons and Instruments -- Daggers and Choppers -- Musical Instruments -- Water and Flower Containers -- Begging Bowls and Skull Cups -- Incense Burners -- Prayer Beads -- Robes and Hats -- Prayer Wheel -- Stupas and Pagodas -- Altars and Shrines -- Sanskrit Letters -- Sacred Texts.