So you want to find out all about your Buddha Statue, the poses and postures. What are the different types of Buddhas? What are the symbols of buddhism and what do they mean? You need to know what the Buddha you want to buy means, should you buy it? In other words what does it all mean? You are not alone in asking that, read on to find out more.
We create and sell beautiful Buddha statues in reconstituted marble and are here to help you; by giving you a short run down on some of the symbols used in the making of cast Statues of Buddha and hopefully getting you to see how a Buddha statue can enhance your life
So to answer the first question; what does my Buddha mean?
Well, symbols and meanings in Buddha statues are a vast and sometimes complex area of study. We do have a blog that shows the meaning of 10 Buddhas from our collection which you can read here
We use a very good reference book for our research before making a statue. I will give a link to the book at the end of this blog.
In the meantime here are a few gestures and symbols explained to get you started in deciphering your Buddha statue.
Relaxation/ Meditation in Buddhism.
DHYANA : The hands are in a relaxed position on his lap, the fingers are touching. This is a gesture of perfect balance.
PADMASANA : The famous Lotus position, for relaxation and meditation.
The Buddha of Protection -
ABHAYA : One hand raised in a relaxed manner. This is a gesture of both comfort and protection. Have no fear.
Relaxation / Discussion in Buddhism.
VITARKA : A circle is formed between the index and thumb. This is the sign of the wheel of the law (which can also be represented by a swastika or a wheel) this gesture also represents intellectual discussion.
BHUMISPARSA : One hand is in a relaxed position pointing towards the floor or earth, this is a sign that Buddha is touching the earth to give the truth of his teachings.
LILA ASANA : Seated in a relaxed manner his arms fall naturally onto his knees, this position symbolises relation and discussion.
Symbols for Good Health.
TRIBHANGA : Standing with his feet parted. This symbolises good health because the bad humours are forced downwards and outwards.
The Buddha of Good Fortune
AKSHAMALA : Prayer beads, classically thought to be 108 beads but there are other versions, each bead is thought to represent a mantra or prayer. The prayer beads represent good fortune which in Buddhism means well-being and not money
SWASTIKA : The hooked cross. This is the symbol that represents the Wheel of the Law. It symbolises unending power and good fortune.
KALASHA : The vase. Represents spiritual richness and is thought to carry the water of life.
Buddha Symbols for Protection
CHATTRA : Parasol .Protection against bodily and spiritual harm.
MAYURAPATTRA : Feathers. Symbol of resisting earthly temptations.
Purity in Buddhism.
PADAMA : The open Lotus Flower a strong representation of purity.
Benevolence in Buddha Statues.
PATRA : Bowl for alms, representing Buddha’s benevolence for others
Do I need a Buddha?
The basic answer to the second question is, in my opinion, yes. If you are being drawn to something it’s usually for a good reason, trust your gut- your self-awareness as Buddha- The Enlightened One would call it.
Even if you are not a practising Buddhist, you probably choosing your statue so that it could add calm to your home. This is often the reason for having a Buddha in your home, and the space you create around it is a chill out spot. Which is why everyone should have a marble Buddha statue in their house, right?
Great news, we have lots of wonderful Buddhas for sale on our site made in cold cast reconstituted marble check them all out here www.marbleart.fr
Further reading
10 Buddha Statues Explained. What your Buddha means.