Recently, I received a link to a website selling aesthetically beautiful Buddha statues, often modest in size, with a sense of intimacy and quiet splendour that reflects the creativity of the artists. Such statues give further amplification to the spiritual value of the sculptors who created such magnificence. Take a look at the website link at end of article.
I deeply appreciate Buddha statues with their presence and minimalism, which fit so well into our homes, gardens, well-being centres and clinics. Buddha statues communicate expressions of peace and calm.
Here at home, I have around ten statues and paintings, ranging from two centimetres high to 30 centimetres, plus a wall hanging, 105 by 100 centimetres, of the Buddha - behind the sofa in the living room.
Statues also communicate a symbolic significance of stillness. Such practices support awareness in spiritual life. On my bedside table, my minimalist statues include the Buddha in a standing posture and in the reclining posture.
For practitioners, the cross-legged Buddha serves as a reminder of the benefits and power of meditation.
Buddha statue (20 cm) from Bali. 1968. Carried in backpack until arrival home in 1977. On landing at home.
I believe statues of the Buddha may be the most widely used statues in the West, probably appearing more frequently than garden gnomes, angels, classical figures, animals, religious imagery, and abstract sculptures.
Appreciation of a statue can deepen knowing the meaning of the mudra – the position of the hands in the specific statue or painting.
If you see the right hand raised with the palm facing outwards and the fingers pointing up, this gesture rrepresents the teaching mudra and the stilling of the restless mind.
The wisdom/compassion mudra shows the hand raised with the index and little fingers pointing upwards, while the thumb holds down the middle two fingers. This mudra reminds us to develop the wholesome and ward off the unwholesome.
The meditatiion mudra show both hands resting flat one on the other in the lap, palms facing upwards, and the right fingers resting on top of the left; the tips of the thumbs form a triangle representing deep meditation, inner peace, and a path to enlightenment.
Painting depicting the Buddha of Sarnath, where he offered his first teachings. Above sofa in the living room. 110 by 100cm. Taught in Thai Monastery in Sarnath from 2001 - 2020.
The Dhamma Wheel statues shows the essence of Dharma. Both hands are held in front of the chest, with the thumb and index finger of each hand forming a circle to resemble a wheel. This gesture symbolises the wheel of Dharma, interconnectedness, and emptiness.
In the Earth Witness mudra, the Buddha sits with the right hand resting over the knee with the fingers pointing down to touch the Earth. This represents the Buddha’s enlightenment stating the Earth witnessed his liberating realisations.
Buddhist Tradition
The Buddhist tradition has a culture of appreciation for calm, meditation, and wisdom – qualities that often seem in short supply in many Western settings. A survey this week reported that one in four teenagers between the age of 15-19 experience anxiety.
These statues contribute to an atmosphere of peace and harmony in the space where they stand, acting as a focal point expressing the immediate environment.
Buddhist retreat centres, yoga and bodywork centres often give recognition to the Buddha statue for those who wish to slow down, find clarity, and experience a grounded way of being. You can find websites with precious displays of Buddha images – ascetic, artistic, and symbolic – which communicate the Buddhist tradition’s love of harmony, beauty, and an aesthetically pleasing environment.
I prefer not to leave sacred ornaments or sacred books lying around on the floor but in locations easy to see. With attention to ethics such as kindness, non-harming, and compassion, these visual forms indirectly tell us of our potential for full awakening.
Website of Buddha statues
Take a mindful look through this website offering for sale beautiful statues of the Buddha. Potential to be a beautiful gift for home or beloved friend.
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Christopher’s hub website