The Buddha Eyes: A Symbol from Home

The Buddha Eyes, also known as Wisdom Eyes, are painted on virtually every stupa or Buddhist shrine in Nepal. Looking out in all four directions, they symbolise the omniscience and all-seeing nature of the Buddha.

As I spent a lot of my formative years living in between Nepal and Australia - For me these eyes feel like home, they remind me of deep and cherished childhood memories spent in Nepal, visiting my favourite temples with my family.

My palm tattoo, carrying this essence of my love and connection for Nepal.

 

Above: Me and Dad in the 1990's visiting my favourite 'Monkey Temple' - formally known as 'Swayambhunath'

Below: me and my Auntie in 2017 when we reconnected in her home, after 20years apart

Between the Buddha's eyes is a curly symbol that looks like a question mark. It’s actually the Nepali character for the number 1, representing the unity of all things and the one path to enlightenment through the Buddha’s teachings. Above that sits a third eye, symbolising the Buddha’s all-seeing wisdom.

The powerful symbolism, cultural connection, and nostalgic energy that the Buddha Eyes represent for Shanti have resulted in their appearance in Snakes and Shanti designs over the years. From the original Third Eye Hoodie to the Eye Sarong, this motif continues to honour Shanti’s Nepali heritage.

The symbolic eye has been weaved through the brand ethos and designs since Snakes and Shanti first launched in 2019.

Ashad and his children when we first worked together in 2017 - creating the very first Snakes and Shanti T-shirt - representing everything that Nepal meant to me. 

The eye continues to carry through my designs, weaving through like a prayer, honouring my fatherland.