Phra Pidta
The Pidta style amulet with a monk (Phra) sitting in the full lotus or half lotus position and with his hands covering his eyes and face is a style that has become very popular among Thai Buddhists, but also among other Buddhists around the world.
Phra Pidta, meaning closing or covering the eyes in Thai, also known as Closed-Eyed Buddha. There are few types of Phra Pidta in Thai, with four arms, six arms or completely covered in mantras.
It is one of the favorite types of Buddha amulets of Thai citizens. Phra Pidta is a depiction of a venerable monk well known for deep samadhi (absorption) meditation during the time of Gotham Buddha more than 2,550 years ago.
Why does Phra Pidta keep his hands over his eyes while wearing amulets?
The hands over the eyes symbolize blocking the outside world during intense Sammabart meditation. This is jhana level meditation which can also transition to Abhinna.
Abhinnas are supernatural experiences that people meditating in the fourth Jhana can sometimes obtain. People buy these amulets mainly to increase their well-being. Prosperity is one of the main benefits of this amulet. However, there are said to be many benefits that come from amulets, including good luck and protection from harm of all kinds.
Phra Pidta was an apprentice of the Buddha according to legend. He had accumulated many blessings and virtues in his past lives when he was still a human being.
During one of his past lives, he practiced Buddhism with other monks. One night the place was flooded and the monks almost drowned. Buddha immediately sent Phra Pidta to stop the flow of water and save the monks.
From then on, celestial men and mortals were convinced of his abilities and respected him. In his other past life, he always worshiped the Buddha and eminent monks with fresh flowers.
His own story
He was a child in a family of cattle ranchers. In the morning he often saw a mendicant monk meditating on a vacant lot. He knew it must be difficult for the monk to meditate under the scorching sun.
Therefore, he set up a simple shelter for the monk when he was not around, so that the monk could shelter from the scorching sun and rain. All the good things he had done had made him rise to heaven.
Phra Pidta had good looks and good karma. Many faithful loved him very much. Even some of them mistook him for Buddha. These had become obstacles to his practice.
Rumors spread that female worshipers would offer him better hospitality because of his good looks. He was even rumoured to be having an affair with the female.
So, to prevent these rumours from spreading again, Phra Pidta used his supernatural power to change his appearance and became ugly, short or fat. However, they failed to change their enthusiasm towards him.
Therefore he closed his eyes for a long time, ignoring people's words and attitudes, concentrating completely on his practice. Since then, the image of Phra Pidta's face has become what we see now, covering his eyes signifying covering the six roots of sensations: eye, ear, nose, tongue, body and desire to free oneself from human desires and passions.
The six gunas: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch and thought can keep the Buddha's teachings in mind. Therefore, wearing the Phra Pidta Buddha amulet can make the mind more focused, regardless of practicing Buddhism or thinking.
In the mortal world, the image of Phra Pidta is publicly known as a posture for avoiding disasters and dangers, keeping oneself safe from harm. It is also known to prevent bad guys. Monks across Thailand have crafted Phra Pidta-style amulets of all shapes and sizes.
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