A Buddha statue is often used as a tool for meditation. Buddha statues are symbols of Buddhism’s founder Siddhartha Gautama who taught us that by eliminating all desires from our lives we are able to reach Nirvana. When the state of nirvana is achieved all suffering ends. Only when Nivrana is achieved can the cycle of death and rebirth end. The Buddhist religion stresses mental discipline and the ability to follow the eight fold path as the key to achieving Nirvana.
Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles from the elegant style of the Buddha statues from Nepal and Tibet to the round-bellied Hotei, a Buddhist monk from the 10th century. Earth touching, meditation, dispelling fear, ‘turning the Wheel of Dharma’ are just a few of the popular Buddha statue positions. Quite frequently the Buddha is perched atop a lotus flower symbolizing purity and divine birth. A Buddhist quote states, “the spirit of the best of men is spotless, like the new Lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.”
The statue is often referred to as the meditation Buddha or a Lotus Buddha statue as Buddha’s posture is very similar to a lotus flower. The statues are made with a base that looks like the stem of a lotus flower. In addition to the lotus symbol of purity it was also the symbolic vehicle that brought the Buddha up to Nirvana and so has significance in this way as well. Curling from the muck and mud the lotus flower arises with beautiful blossoms. This is to remind us of the Buddha’s humble beginnings before he went on to achieve Nirvana.
In the Lotus Buddha statue the right hand is placed in the left. While the hands rested gently in the lap, the legs are folded in a crossed position. The left foot should be placed on the right with the bottom of the foot exposed and the right foot is placed on the left leg in the the same position. This familiar position is used as in meditation.
The lotus flower is rich with symbolic meaning in Buddhism. It is a symbol of Bodhi, a state of mental purity and spiritual precision allowing us to control or most base impulses. Depicted in Buddhist art it usually has eight petals which symbolize the eightfold path of the Good Law.
It is the pink or white lotus flower that is most closely connected with the Buddha. When the lotus is seen in varying shades of color this generally has a specific meaning. A red Lotus may refer to love, compassion, or passion. It is the blue lotus that represents intelligence, wisdom and knowledge.
The next time you encounter a Buddha statue whether in an Asian restaurant or in someone’s home pay careful attention to the position of the Buddha’s hands and his posture. Each position has a special meaning and message.
Bring peace and enlightenment to your home with aBuddha statue. Whether its a natural looking stone Buddha statue or handpainted red and gold, the Buddha is sure to comfort you and serve as a reminder of your own spiritual journey.
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