Who was Buddha?
Buddha (“The Enlightened One”) was born into the Shakya clan and lived in a small Nepalese kingdom, Terai, between 563 and 483 BC.
Buddha was a prince, a warrior, a spiritual leader, and teacher, whose life represents the foundation of the Buddhist religion.
Born into a rich family, the child who seemed to manifest out of the ordinary qualities receives the name of Siddhartha.
As a young man, he abandoned his privileged life to become a monk and chose the “Middle Way”, which will make him understand that everything is illusory and evanescent, and to discover a method which can free the human being from all passions and illusions that cause suffering.
This is his Awakening and from this moment on, he fully deserves the title of Buddha “The Awakened” (from the Sanskrit root BUDH, to awaken).
Buddha Poses
The significance of each Buddha Statue can be easily deciphered only by looking at the posture and the hand gestures.
Each pose has a different spiritual meaning, commemorating an important event from Buddha’s life.
There are over one hundred poses (called Asana or Attitudes) illustrating his life and each pose has a distinctive hand gesture (Mudra).
The venerated relics representing Buddha can be found at many Buddhist temples all over the world.
Protection Buddha
Protection Buddha Statue – it signifies courage and offers protection against fear, deception, and rage.
This seated Buddha Statue with the right hand raised and facing outwards has two meanings:
Protection Buddha – the raised right hand has the symbolical significance of a shield, illustrating fearlessness while facing reality.
Overcoming Fear – according to Buddhism, fear is at the very root of samsara, and it restricts our lives. By gaining protection, we become less fearful.
Meditation Buddha
Meditation Buddha Statue – it signifies serenity, calm, deep concentration, and unity with higher energy.
The statue of Meditation Buddha (Serene Buddha, Calming Buddha) illustrates a state of peacefulness, perfect balance of thinking and the rest of the senses and it is an ideal statue of Buddha for everyone seeking a tranquil life.
Earth Touching Buddha
It signifies the moment of enlightenment in Buddha’s life, representing unshaken strength and the truth of his commitment to liberation.
Calling The Earth to Witness or Bhumisparsha mudra is one of the most representative images of Buddhism.
The statue illustrates the historical Shakyamuni Buddha seated with his right hand over the right knee, reaching toward the ground with the palm inward, and the left hand with the palm upright in his lap.
The gesture reflects Buddha’s awakening as he claims the earth as a witness of his enlightenment.
Nirvana Buddha or Reclining/Sleeping Buddha
It signifies tranquility achieved through liberation from the cycle of life and death (known as samsara).
The statue depicts a serene and composed Buddha in the final moments of his life, prior to entering Nirvana.
Each position of his right hand has a different significance. The right hand supporting the head signifies that Buddha is resting, while the right hand placed next to the body signifies that Buddha has entered Nirvana.
The reclining position also depicts Buddha with his right arm folded against his chest.
This pose illustrates the moment Buddha revealed his imminent passing and preached the last sermon to his disciples.
Medicine Buddha – it signifies the healing of physical and spiritual sickness.
The statue is typically depicted seated, with a Lapis Lazuli colored jar of medicine nectar or herbs in his left hand and the right hand resting on his right knee and it is often portrayed as having blue skin.
The Medicine Buddha is also called the Blue Buddha or Healing Buddha who made twelve great vows upon attaining enlightenment.
The legend says that Buddha transformed himself into a radiant blue light during a great gathering of people and taught the knowledge of healing and medicine.
Contemplation Buddha – it signifies determination and understanding.
The Buddha stands with both arms flat against the chest, palms in, and right hand on top of the left.
This pose or mudra is also called Vajrapradana and it signifies confidence in oneself. It increases spiritual confidence and promotes humility.
Buddha Head Statues
They are symbolic and spiritual illustrations of Buddha’s wisdom and knowledge. Although there are many styles of Buddha Head Statues throughout different regions, the main significance is the same.
The statues incorporate symbols, used as a method of transmitting Buddha’s knowledge and teachings before the development or use of writing.
Teaching Buddha
It signifies wisdom, knowledge and understanding the self in the journey of life.
Known as the Dharmachakra Mudra, or the teaching Buddha, this statue it is a symbol of true enlightenment with no attachments to the material world.
The statue depicts Buddha’s first sermon after his enlightenment....
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