Buddhism Elements - 1957
Designer: Marc Leguay, Engraver: Jean Pheulpin
The main religion in Laos is the Theravada Buddhism. This set of stamps depicts four elements of the Buddhism:
The Offertory (Dâna) – In Buddhism, alms giving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk. It is a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of normal society. In Theravada Buddhism monks go on a daily alms round (Takbat) to collect food as depicted in the stamp:

Meditation (Bhâvanâ) – Buddhist meditation encompasses a variety of meditation techniques that develop mindfulness, concentration, tranquility and insight.

Serenity (Passaddhi) – In Buddhism, Passaddhi refers to tranquility of the body, speech, thoughts and consciousness on the path to enlightenment.
The stamp depicting smiling Buddha Statue from the 16th century located in Wat Phya Vat, Vientiane, Laos.

Renunciation (Nekkhamma) – In Buddhism, Nekkhamma refers to renunciation of worldly pleasures or the virtue of selflessness, which is opposed to attachment, selfishness and possessiveness.
The stamp depicting Nang Thorani, mother of earth, in a scene from a Buddhist legend.


