What Does Buddha Represent – Artistic interpretations of the Buddha have existed since the 2nd century A.D, with the artists in question often nurturing a spiritual state of self in order to truly emulate the spirit of the Buddha in their creations. While the iconography of Siddhartha Gautama was not intended to reflect his actual characteristics (a naturally challenging task for sculptors centuries after his death), the figures on Buddha statues are full of meaning. The poses and mudras (hand positions) of the Buddha are spiritually charged, with each stance and style carefully curated to communicate a specific state of the teacher. Here we examine the meanings behind these positions, so that you can better understand what type of statue you have.
The Meditation Buddha is often found in a double or a lotus pose, a position that represents a meditative state around the world. This type of statue is ideal for people who are looking to put peace and tranquility in their lives, especially in our fast-paced world of endless blinking lights and communication. This is mirrored in the statue’s two triangular silhouettes, which show balance and strength, as well as the Buddha’s usually half or fully closed eyes.
What Does Buddha Represent
While the meditative pose is instantly recognizable, the Dhyana mudra makes this position distinctly Buddhist. In this mudra, both hands are placed on the lap facing upwards, with the right hand resting on the palm of the left. The tips of the thumbs touch to form another triangle shape. This geometry is not an unintentional nod to the world of mathematics, but a recognizable symbol of Buddhism, with the triangle representing the unity of the triple gem: the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha, as well as holding a mystical inner fire (far away). more exciting than Pythagoras.)
The Different Types Of Buddha Statues And Their Meanings
The Teaching Buddha, sitting cross-legged, is perfect for anyone who wants to focus on their spirituality. The Teaching Buddha position is said to represent an example of the Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment. This sermon was delivered to a group of formerly disinterested disciples, a situation that many a modern teacher could relate to if he had not literally flown across the Ganges to get there. Here are announced the famous four noble truths.
The Teaching Buddha is seen using the Dharmachakra mudra symbolizing the spinning wheel of dharma. The right hand is held with the palm facing outwards and the index finger touching the thumb, similar to a modern diver informing his counterpart that he is a-okay. It is important that the right hand is at the level of the chest, logically informing us that this message comes from the heart. The left hand faces inward, similar to making a circle with his index finger and thumb, with the two hands together making an infinite prayer symbol.
There is one big difference between the Laughing Buddha and all the other statues we’ve talked about here (and, no, we’re not talking about his little weight problem): it’s not the Buddha! The Laughing Buddha, also known as the Prosperity Buddha, is actually based on a Chinese Monk from the 10th Century ACE known as ‘Budai.’ Sometimes he is seen holding a sack over his shoulder or his arms reaching towards the sky, but other times he is just sitting and doing what he does best… laughing. The Laughing Buddha is said to bring happiness and prosperity, which is brought when you rub his bountiful belly.
As the name suggests, this position depicts the Buddha lying on his right side. Far from taking an afternoon nap, this type of statue is said to represent the Buddha in his last few hours on earth before he entered Nirvana. This state is called ‘paranirvana’, a condition reserved only for enlightened beings at the end of their lives. Usually, the Buddha is seen supporting his head on a pillow with his right hand, but this is not a specific Buddhist mudra. Unfortunately, Reclining Buddha is not meant to induce sleep (so we can only recommend whale noises and caffeine avoidance), but its representation of the Buddha in his final earthly moments should encourage a striving for harmony within oneself.
Alexander The Great & The Buddha
Perhaps most important in 2020, the Medicine Buddha is said to bring good health and knowledge of medicine. The right hand faces outward and downward, with outstretched fingers reaching to the ground, said to represent the Buddha giving a blessing to mankind, and sometimes holding the stem of a plant. that can heal. The left hand is on the lap while holding a bowl of vegetables. The Medicine Buddha is often depicted with glowing blue skin, referring to the legend in which he transformed himself into a brilliant blue light before a group of people to convey the wisdom of medicine. While we do not recommend purchasing this statue as a substitute for what the doctor ordered, it is ideal for those seeking good health and wellness.
This pose, also called Earth Touching Buddha, depicts the Buddha at the peak of Enlightenment. It relays the moment where Siddhartha Gautama was meditating under the famous Bodhi tree, when a demon named Mara appeared and tried to persuade him to give up his goal and instead indulge in incomprehensible wealth and material happiness. Siddhartha Gautama used meditation to overcome these temptations. Upon attaining Buddhahood, the Buddha performed the Bhumiparsha mudra to summon the earth goddess so that she could witness his attainment of enlightenment. To wash Mara, the earth goddess cut her hair to create a flood that the demon could not overcome (we dread to think of her annual shampoo expenses.)
As well as sitting with his legs crossed, the Earth Touching Buddha is thus associated with the Bhumiparsha mudra, and considering the nature of its backstory, it is not surprising that it is a very popular representation of the Buddha, especially in Thai temples. The left hand is placed on the lap, with the right hand pointing to the ground with a palm facing inward.
The Contemplation Buddha can be seen sitting and standing. It is recognized by the position of the hands, with both arms crossed over the chest. The right arm should always be above the left and the palms facing the chest. It creates a feeling of confidence and is meant to symbolize determination, humility and tolerance, especially for those seeking to increase their spiritual resolve.
Places To Keep A Buddha Statue At Home
The least common of the positions and almost exclusively in Thailand, the Walking Buddha is unique because it shows the Buddha in physical motion. This movement is announced by moving his coat to one side, and his left food is placed behind the right. The right hand is raised forward and facing outwards. As we might expect, Buddha is not much of a destination, nor is his destination as small as the local Tesco. In fact, it is often said that he is traveling to or from Heaven to give a sermon (classic Buddha), although sometimes he is depicted wearing shoes, which means that he has not reached Nirvana otherwise, he would not – others. those earthly and materialistic desires. We all know at least one person who is overly attached to their shoes. Perhaps this statue is good for them, because this statue encourages recognition of inner beauty and grace.
As we have seen, the sitting position of the Buddha is the most common among all these statues. There are two main sitting poses. The first, known as half lotus, hero’s pose, or Virasana, shows the legs crossed over each other, with the sole of one foot raised. The second, called the lotus, diamond, adamant posture, or Vajrasana, is the same but with both soles of the feet raised.
However, there are also instances where the Buddha is given the luxury of sitting upright on a chair, called the European Sitting Pose or Pralambanasana. A famous story, for example, of a monkey and an elephant visiting the Buddha to make offerings is often recreated with the Buddha sitting on a chair. This is a particularly interesting story because the monkey in question was so delighted at Buddha’s acceptance of his honeycomb gift that he immediately suffered a fatal fall from his tree. Fortunately, for Buddhists and animal lovers alike, the monkey is reborn immediately thanks to the generosity of its honey-based gift.
Speaking of gifts, the most common standing Buddha poses are the gift-giving (Varada) and protection (Abhava) Buddhas. The standing Buddha is meant to inspire generosity and fearlessness. With both feet firmly planted, this pose is not expected to stimulate movement and movement, but the intentions and ambiance of the statue can be gleaned from the mudra. The downward facing soles of the feet are important to note, as they differ from the inverted soles during meditation.
Christians And Buddha Statues
A specific example of a standing statue is the Repelling the Ocean Buddha. With two outstretched and facing forward palms, this statue speaks of
