Buddhas of the Five Directions
	The Main Shrine is also called the Great Hero Hall. It normally contains five large Buddha statues depicting the Five Dhyani Buddhas or Buddhas of the Five Directions, which are actually different representations of Sakyamuni Buddha. Each is seated upon a lotus throne, in the lotus posture, with hands in a particular mudra, and a halo radiating from behind. The statues and the concepts they embody may be explained as follows:
	Li-Bu-Wei Buddha (statue on far left ): This Buddha's symbolic direction is east. He signifies confidence and fearlessness. The hands are in a mudra of appeasement or consolation. With the daily occurrence of violence and natural disaster around the world, many people find it difficult to face the future. The tranquility gained from following the Buddha's way better enables one to remain calm; like a mountain unmoved by ravaging elements, one can approach each day without fear.     Tuo-Pao Buddha (central statue): This Buddha symbolises the central direction and represents wealth. The hands are in a mudra of the ceremony of unction. Humans craving for material wants is often a futile exercise. At best, the joy derived from materialism is short-lived. True wealth and fulfillment, however, can be attained by developing wisdom through following the Buddha's teachings.     Amitabha Buddha (statue second from left): This Buddha's symbolic direction is west and his hands are in a mudra of concentration. He signifies infinite light and boundless life. Amitabha Buddha presides over the Western Pure Land. Praying to Amitabha Buddha improves one's constitution and increases longevity. With sincere and continued practice of Buddhist principles, upon death one will go to the blissful Western Pure Land to spend each day learning and living the Dharma.     Miao-Se-Shen Buddha (statue second from right): This Buddhas symbolic direction is south. His hands are in a mudra of touching the ground which symbolizes Sakyamuni Buddha's resolve to overcome the temptations of Mara and thereby gain supreme enlightenment. He represents beauty and dignity. Most people wish to see and be with beautiful things, and be physically beautiful. The practice of Buddhism cultivates inner beauty and sincerity. This in turn results in a more relaxed and pleasing outward form.     Gan-Lu-Wang Buddha (statue at far right): This Buddha's symbolic position is north. He signifies calmness and purity. His hands are in a mudra of casting out fear. This gesture derives from an incident in which Devadatta, Sakyamuni Buddha's jealous and evil cousin, who set a charging elephant loose upon him. Without fear, the Buddha calmly sat down and caused the beast to stop and kneel before him. Like a charging elephant, life's problems can overtake the mind. In the interest of survival, one must seek escape. Unfortunately, running away offers only temporary respite and is not a true solution to life. The teachings of the Buddha can purify and calm the mind so that former problems no longer seem so wildly out of control.
	Ten thousand miniature Buddhas
	Usually lining the walls of the Main Shrine,such as at Fo Guang Shan Nan Tien Temple are ten thousand miniature Buddhas, each in a lighted niche. The repetition of images has long served as an auspicious way to understanding and reinforcing Buddhist concepts. These myriad statues represent the universality of the Buddha nature that resides everywhere, and in everyone. Through practice and cultivation of buddhism, all have the potential to become enlightened.
	Why do Buddhist figures have different hand gestures and body postures?
	Hand gestures, or mudras, are a type of non-verbal communication. They convey specific Buddhist concepts, teachings, and events in Sakyamuni's life in a way more profound than if expressed through words. Postures - whether seated, standing, or reclining - are also symbolically charged.
	What is the sign found on the chest of many Buddha statues?
	This is called a Sauvastika Sign. This ancient sign is infused with a variety of symbolic meanings, particularly lightning, the sun, the power to overcome evil, and universality. The arms of the Buddhist sauvastika point in a counterclockwise direction and the sign is always in an upright "+" position.
	The Buddhist sauvastika is NOT related to the Nazi swastika, which can be recognized by its arms pointing clockwise and the sign being tilted in an "x" position. The Buddhist sauvastika does not carry any implication of hatred and destruction.
	What is the dot on the forehead of many figures?
	This is one of the thirty-two special characteristics of a Buddha or one on the immediate threshold of becoming a Buddha (i.e., a Bodhisattva).
	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 are another prominent trait. It may have its origins in the ancient custom of Indian royalty wearing lobe-stretching 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
	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 palms and/or soles of the feet.