Wat Phra Pathom Chedi : Buddha Images (10)

Giving the First Law.

Dismissing Vakkali
The Buddha makes a gesture of dismissal with his right hand, while his left hand rests in his lap.
The Brahmin Vakkali was impressed by the physical appearance of the Buddha. The Buddha told him that he should not be impressed by physical appearance (that will decay later anyway), but be a follower of the dhamma.

Threading a needle
The Buddha has his two hands in front to the chest, concentrating on threading a needle.
The Buddha is making a robe from rags picked up from a corpse. While doing this and concentrating in threading, he got further insight and came to realize the last of the Four Noble Truths, namely the Eightfold Path.

Blessing
(with sitting or standing posture)
The right hand is pending in vada mudra. When standing the left hand will clasp the edge of the monastic robe.
No particular story attached. It denotes the altruistic quality of the Buddha.

Buddha taming the wild Elephant Nalagiri

Taming the wild Elephant Nalagiri
Someone has bad intentions towards the Buddha and sends his elephant Nalagiri to do harm. However, the Buddha tames it.
The right arm is lifted to waist level with palm down.

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Characteristics and Postures of the Buddha
Sitting Buddhas
Reclining Buddhas
Seven Days of the Buddha

Hand Gestures :

The Six Main Mudras
Dhyana Mudra
Bhumisparsha Mudra
Abhaya Mudra
Vitarka Mudra
Varada Mudra

Historical Periods :

Dvaravati
Khmer-Lopburi
Chiang Saen - Lanna
Sukhothai
U Thong
Ayutthaya

Historical Notes :

Dvaravati
Sukhothai
Ayutthaya

Resources

Temples in Thailand :

Overview
Wat Pho
Wat Benchamabophit

Buddha Images at :

Buddha Images at Wat Phra Pathom Chedi

Introduction to Buddhism in Thailand

The 10 Jatakas (lives of the Buddha) as depicted in Thai mural Temple paintings