Buddha

Gautama Buddha, also known as Siddhārtha Gautama, Shakyamuni, or simply the Buddha, was a sage on whose teachings Buddhism was founded. He later taught throughout regions of eastern India such as Magadha and Kośala. He later became the primary figure in Buddhism. Despite being thin due to fasting in life, most works display him well-fed as a God after reaching nirvana.

Role in Gravity

A small golden Buddha statue is seen in the Shenzou capsule of the Chinese Tiangong Station, likely taped down to prevent it from floating away. 

It exists as further religious symbolism in the movie. 

Trivia

• Buddha's appearance in the film is kind of an anachronism since China (being a communist country) is no longer Buddhist but rather about 95 percent athiest, and China's space program would be secular. Japan is a Buddhist nation, not China.