The fourth of one thousand founding Buddhas who will appear in this world during this Fortunate Aeon, and the founder of Buddhism in this world. Buddha Shakyamuni is the principal object of refuge for all Buddhists. He is holding a begging bowl filled with three nectars indicating that he has conquered the ‘demons’ of uncontrolled death, a contaminated body and mind, and delusions, and is touching the ground indicating his power to subdue all negative forces. Above him to the left is Kashyapa – the previous Buddha – and to the right is Maitreya – the future Buddha. Below are two of his principal disciples, Shariputra and Maudgalyanaputra, who stand to Buddha’s right and left respectively, each holding a begging bowl and staff. In general, ‘Buddha’ means ‘Awakened One’, someone who has awakened from the sleep of ignorance and sees things as they really are. Every living being has the potential to become a Buddha.