Handprints & Footprints Outline Page

Handprints and footprints are timeless human symbols found as wall paintings in prehistoric caves and on modern street intersection signs telling us not to cross. The feet of the Buddha were carved in stone as were those of Vishnu and other notable Indian gods. In the Himalayas and Tibet the custom of tracing a revered teachers feet and then painting them in or decorating around them with deities and lineage figures became popular at the time of Pagmodrupa Dorje Gyalpo who is credited with writing the first Tibetan explanatory text. Jigten Sumgon also authored a text on the meaning, sanctification and function of such tracings.