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What Are The Different Types of Buddha Statues And Their Meanings?
One of the more compelling and familiar faces in religious statuary is the Buddha. Even those who aren't adherents to the philosophies of Buddhism see him as a representation of enlightenment. moderate living, luck, and joy. Not all representations we see in Buddhist art and statuary are of the historic Buddha, Gautam Buddha, but each brings meaning to our lives.
The historic figure known as Gautam Buddha was born into a wealthy family of the Shakya clan in the Terai kingdom of Nepal sometime between 563 and 483 BC. His named means "The Enlightened One" or "The Awakened". He was also given the name Siddhartha as a young child, which signifies that he was born with extraordinary qualities. Gautam Buddha left his very privileged life as a young man to become a monk. It is during this time that he developed the philosophies that would become the basis for Buddhist teachings throughout the East. Buddhism is still the predominant belief system in Japan, Tibet, Nepal. Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia, with many converts in the West.
Buddhism is rooted in the tenets of living life by taking the Middle Way. Buddha believed that the heart of all human suffering was rooted in desire, so he sought to move beyond care for earthly riches and concerns. The Middle Way is to walk with moderation, tranquility, and patience in all you do. It teaches mindfulness as a way of acknowledging desires and emotion, and then letting them go so they don't become a burden. Karma is considered an impersonal law of the universe, and suffering can finally be released by attaining the spiritual perfection of Nirvana.
Buddhists don't worship Buddha idols. For followers of Buddhist philosophy, each of Buddha's murtis are seen as inspirations or reminders to incorporate those characteristics into their lives. Buddha has more than 100 Asana, or poses, and many mudra, or hand gestures. Each pose and gesture represents a different aspect of his life and teachings, so it's easy to become confused.
The most common source of confusion is between the usually happy, fat Buddha, often called Laughing Buddha, and the thin, graceful figure of the historic philosopher, Gautam Buddha. The Laughing Buddha is usually a representation of a Chinese monk named Budai, who lived during the 10th century. His name means "sack cloth", and he was believed to carry a sack of treats or sweets to give to people. His idols are usually depicted carrying a bag of coins or other items representing wealth and prosperity, and he is a very lucky gift.
Gautam Buddha
This is the historic representation of the monk we all know as Buddha the Enlightened One. He is slender and graceful in his gestures, and is usually seen in a meditative posture. The prominent earlobes signify the transition from material wealth to spiritual enlightenment, as rich men of his time wore jewelry that elongated the earlobes. The pointed head and curlyhair style were contemporary for men of his station at that time in history.
Happy Buddha
This is the well-known laughing Buddha, whose real name is Budai. He is a symbol of luck, joy, and prosperity. He is sometimes also called the Wealth Buddha or Lucky Buddha, and it is common to rub his belly for luck. Because Budai was generous and jolly, always carrying a large supply of candy, you will often find this idol surrounded by children. Another common accessory is prayer beads.
Tara Buddha
The two Tara Buddhas, Green Tara and White Tara, represent two feminist ideals in Buddhist philosophy. She is known as the Goddess of Universal compassion, enlightenment, and virtue. The Green Tara, representing the right, depicts the Goddess in all of her youthful vigor. White Tara, who comes from the left in artistic renderings, is Tara in mature womanhood.
Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha Buddha is most commonly known as the Compassionate Buddha or the Buddha of Infinite Light. You will hear chants of NamoAmitabha in praise to this savior figure, who is the spiritual father of Avaolokiteshvara and Tara. He is considered a healer who embodies compassion and protection.
Maitreya Buddha
Maitreya Buddha is a future representation of Buddha, the fifth of the thousand sons of a great king. He represents a place on the wheel of Dharma that is for the benefit of all mankind during the time of the fifth universal Buddha of this age. He leads us on the path of concentration, discipline, and wisdom through his three vehicles, Shravakayana, Pratyekabuddhayana, and Mahayana. His name also means love.
Kubera Buddha
Kubera is sometimes a designation for many similar deities in Eastern lore. The Kubera Buddha is the God of Wealth in Tantric Buddhism and in various regions of Tibet and the Himalayans. He is associated with the direction of North. Because of this, he is mistakenly identified with Vaishravana. God of the North in Mahayana literature, and is often depicted riding a lion. As a gift, he represents wealth and prosperity.
Manjushri Buddha
This bodhisattva is a Buddhist idol that is used for meditation. The name Manjushri stands for insight. You would commonly find this Buddhist statue in a temple, pooja, or meditation room. Manjushri Buddha statues often show him holding the flaming sword of discriminating light in his right hand and a blue lotus flower in his left. Different regions honor the deity for slightly different reasons, but he is most often an aid to contemplation.
Vajradhara Buddha
Vajradhara Buddha might be said to be the head of all Buddhist deities. He is seen as the supreme manifestation of all Buddhist aspiration to attain the divine. This murti might be compared to Zeus of Greek mythology as the bearer of the thunderbolt or the God of Christian religions. His color is dark blue, his symbol the thunderbolt, and he stands for healing. He is often seated in the diamond position with a bell in his left hand and a vajra in his right, or hands in the diamond mudra.
Vajrapani Buddha
As one of the bodhisattvas of Mahayana Buddhism, Vajrapani Buddha is the spirit guide of Gautma Buddha. He represents the power of an enlightened mind who is one of the three protectors of the Buddha in his human form before reaching Nirvana. You will often find him grouped in art and displays with Manjusri (wisdom) and Avalokitesvara (compassion). This mutri is often depicted holding a thunderbolt sceptor, and his name means thunder.
Avalokitesvara Buddha
As one of the three guardians of Gautma Buddha, this bodhisattva represents the compassion of Buddha. His is also called Padmapani, and will work tirelessly to ease the suffering of those who invoke his name or when chanting the mantra "Ohm manipadme Hum," in which he is represented by the six syllable. You will most often find him sitting in a lotus postilion.
What are the Various Postures of Buddha Statues and Their Meanings?
When you're shopping for Buddha statues online, you'll come across three postures depicting Buddha. Depending on the meaning of the statue, he is either sitting, standing, or appears to be lying down. These relics can be found in homes, gardens, and temples throughout the world.
Standing Buddha
Standing Buddha statues will depict Buddha walking or standing still. Standing Buddhas generally signify calm and stillness, and they offer protection. The walking Buddha comes exclusively from the Sukhothai period of Thai history, depicting Buddha delivering his sermon on Dharma. It represents inner beauty and grace.
Sitting Buddha
The sitting Buddha may be one of the most recognizable images of the ancient philosopher. Typically, he is seated in a full (Vajrasana) or half lotus (Virasana) yoga posture with serene, contemplative look on his face. There are also statues depicting him seated in the "European" manner (pralambapadasana), on a throne or chair with one palm facing upward in his lap and the other displaying the vitarka hand gesture. Seated, Buddha represents inner peace and meditation.
Sleeping/Reclining Buddha
Reclining Buddha may be one of the most misunderstood depictions of Gautma Buddha. He is not sleeping or relaxing, as most people think, but near death. This is a depiction showing Buddha toward the end of his life. If his right hand is supporting his head, he is resting with infirmity and old age. When it is lying in front of or on the body, he has reached Nirvana and is no longer in this world.
What is the Meaning of the Different Hand Gestures on Buddha Statues?
Practicing Buddhists often use hand gestures (mudras) during meditative and other rites. These mudras are often depicted in Buddhist art and statuary found in temples and homes throughout the East. There are 10 main mudras used in Buddhist practices, and each has an associations with specific Buddha ideals and representations.
Knowing the hands gestures, their accompanying poses (asanas), and their meanings will allow you to determine the meaning of any Buddha idol on sight. The gestures correspond to different events of stages in the life of Buddha. Emulating these gestures during meditation and devotions allows us to incorporate those traits and internalize their lessons.
Abhaya Hand Gesture
The word abhaya translates to "fearlessness" and is meant to impart feelings of security, peace, and protection in practice or by seeing it depicted in Buddhist art. This mudra can be seen on Buddha idols holding a sitting or standing asana, and it's made by raising the right hand at chest level or higher, palm facing outward. If you purchase a Buddha statue for home with this mudra, it should be placed near the main or living room entrance to greet guests.
Dhyana Hand Gesture
Also called the samdhi mudra, dhyana is a meditative gesture. In this aspect, the Buddha sits in a contemplative position with hands resting lightly in his lap, palms up and the thumbs touching just barely at the tips. The entire posture offers a triangular silhouette that is meant to impart unity with a higher power, contemplation, and serenity. Buying a Buddha statue online depicting this mudra will help cleanse impurities from your space. It should be placed near an alter, in a meditation or study room, or at the center of the home.
Namaskara Hand Gesture
Yoga practitioners might also recognize this mudra as Namaste. It is an aspect of greeting or adoration made by placing the hands together as if in prayer, centered over the heart or in front of the location of the third eye chakra on the forehead. This gesture is also called the anjali mudra, and it signifies that we acknowledge the Divine in others. Good locations for Buddha idols expressing this hand gesture are entryways, home offices, living rooms, or dining rooms.
Bhumisparasa Hand Gesture
The Bhumisparasa mudra is known as the earth touching mudra or 'calling the earth to witness the truth". The Buddha sits in a lotus or half lotus position, his left hand resting in his lap, palm upward in the varada mudra position. The other hand is pointing toward or touching the ground before him. Buddhist lore states that this is the position Buddha took when he achieved enlightenment and victory over Mara, a demon sent to test his resolve. When purchasing a Buddha statue with this hand gesture, the most auspicious placement is a central location, an entryway, or near an altar.
Varada Hand Gesture
When taking this mudra, the left hand is placed in the lap, palm upward and slightly outward in an attitude of acceptance. In the ancient book of wisdom, I-Ching, you only gain abundance by releasing what is in your hands and leaving them open to receive new blessings. It is often used in coordination with other mudras, most notably bhumisparasa and abhaya hand gestures. Varada is called the boon- or wish-granting mudra because those who use it are trying to connect with a beneficent energy associated with the Divine. Statues with this hand gesture are often cast showing a mandala or eye in the palm of Buddha's hand. Placement should be in the Northeast corner of a home or room.
Karana Hand Gesture
If you're looking to ward off evil or dispel bad energy, purchase a Buddha idol that is making the karuna hand gesture. That being said, it should never be placed where you want good energy to flow such as in a nursery, bedroom, or facing your front door. This is a very powerful symbol. Characterized by extending the fingers of the hands, with palm facing downward, the middle two fingers bend forward until the the thumb lightly touches the tip of the second finger. You'll want to place a statue posing with this hand gesture in a room that needs energy and cleansing or in a bagua area.
Vajrapradama Hand Gesture
Loosely translated as "the mudra of unshakable self confidence," the vajrapradama hand position is the ideal gesture of self-love and acceptance. It is formed by placing both hands over the heart, one atop the other, in a gesture of grace and healing energy. At times this mudra is depicted with the fingers intertwined and the thumbs pointing toward the collar bone. It is said to not stand solely for the self, but the energy of universal love with the heart at the center. If you are fortunate enough to receive a Buddha making this mudra, it should be placed at the heart of your home, of course. It can also be positioned at an entryway.
Vitarka Hand Gesture
When Buddha is posed making the vitarka mudra, it symbolizes the transmission of knowledge from teacher to student. The means of transmission is done in a protective way that allows the knowledge to be received freely and without fear. The arms is bent and raised at the elbow, but remains close to the body. The hand is open, palm facing outward, with the index finger and thumb touching at the tips to form a circle signifying the unbroken cycle of information and energy. Buddha statues for home displaying the vitarka mudra should be placed in an office, living room, or study area.
Dharmachakra Hand Gesture
The dharmachakra hand gesture is associated with the Buddha's earliest teachings. The hands are crossed and held at heart center, each in a vitarka mudra. The right hand has the palm facing outward and the left is turned facing toward the heart. This pose depicts how the Wheel of Dharma is ever turning. It is the flow of knowledge from the Divine down through the heart, which is the center of all teaching, and outward into the world. Buddha idols for home or office holding this mudra should be placed in an office or living room.
Uttarabodhi Hand Gesture
This mudra suymbolizes the culmination of all Buddist teachings toward reaching supreme enlightenment and becoming one with the Divine. The uttarabodhi hand gesture is a very powerful mudra, and Buddha statues depicting it should receive a place of honor in a high-energy location. In this aspect, the hands are placed together, with the index fingers touching and pointed upward toward the sky. The other fingers are interlaced. For Feng shui purposes, try to find a prominent spot in the North or South bagua corner of a home or office.
Can You Give Buddha Idol as a Gift?
Buddha statues make excellent gifts. Due to the wide range of meanings, murtis, and sizes, you can give someone close to you a Buddhist idol that has a very significant meaning in their own life. Some believe that it is luckier to receive a Buddha idol as a gift rather than to buy one for yourself, but that shouldn't stop you if you see the perfect representation you've been looking for among our inventory to add to your collection.
Since each posture, mudra, or physical representation means something different, consider the meaning behind to image when you're buying Buddha idols online. Buddhist statues can be purchased and placed as groupings, such as with the three protective bodhisattvas, Manjushri (wisdom), Vajrasattva (limitless form), and Analokitesvara (compassion). You might also display the Shakyamuni Buddha in a central location on an alter or table with the Medicine Buddha and Amitaba on either side.
When placing a large Buddha statue in a garden, he should be seated on a stone or marble slab and facing the home, temple, or commercial building to bring affluence to your endeavors. Buddha statues should be placed at least two and a half feet off the ground or floor. Smaller Buddha idols can be placed on a high shelf.
The rule of thumb is that Buddha should hold a place of honor above eye level and other statuary. Don't place your Buddha next to a piece of furniture that's taller than the idol or in places where it can be pointed at with toes or fingers. with or without his pedestal. You should never put a Buddha statue in the bathroom or kitchen, nor place it near common objects like brooms, cleaning items, or tissues.
If they're meant for worship or medication, Buddha statues should be placed on an altar or table surrounded by candles, bowls of fruit, flowers, and incense. For Feng shui purposes, you might choose a Golden Happy Buddha statue to sit in the Northern-most side of the home to promote love, longevity, and a happy household. A Medicine Buddha statue placed on the Western side of a room will promote peace and tranquility.
Our Categories
The goal of Statue Studio is to make buying Buddha statues online as easy as possible. We're proud of our large inventory of Buddhist idols and accessories that are suitable for any purpose. Our collection ranges from vintage Buddhist statues in brass and bronze to newer decorative resin art. Many of the items in our collection could be considered masterworks for the level of detail and the quality of materials.
Our Buddhist idols are available in sizes from three inches to well over five feet in height. The materials are wood, resin, and metals like white gold, silver, brass, bronze, and gold plating. They're plain or highly decorative with inlays of bright enamel and semi-precious stones. Whether you're looking for a large Bodhisattva Blessing Buddha to hold a place of honor in your garden or a smaller Buddha idol for your desk at work, you'll find it for sale on our website.
Large Statues
When you really want to make a statement, our collection of large Buddha statues are the way to go. The uses can range from garden statuary to focal pieces for your lobby or temple. If you have the space in your home or meditation room, a large brass Buddha will infuse the space with feelings of peace and tranquility. Our large garden Buddha statues include standing idols, reclining Buddhas, and various murti sitting on pedestals.
When choosing a large Buddha idol, consider the space is will be placed and surroundings. Large Buddha statues are definitely a centerpiece, so they work best alone or with appropriate groupings of accent pieces or plants. If you are shopping online for a Laughing or Happy Buddha, (Budai), it is best to purchase a larger one.
Small Statues
Often Buddha idols are given as gifts, and small Buddha statues are ideal for this purpose. First of all, you don't know how much space the recipient has for their new Buddha idol. Smaller Buddha statues also offer a central focal point for a decorative grouping, for fengshui, or with brass bowls, incense, and other worship accessories on your alter. Our collection of small Buddha statues for sale online includes all of the most popular murti and poses in a range of materials.
When selecting small Buddha idols for gifting or personal decor and worship, consider the pose and what it represents. Because smaller Buddha statues will fit almost anywhere, it's important to follow the specific rules for respectful placement and environments. For example, you would never want to set a small Buddha statue directly on the floor or in a bathroom.
Buddha Head Statues
Buddha head statues are very desirable for wall decor or in a place of honor as a bust like our solid brass antique Buddha masterpiece. The Buddha head was used throughout traditional Buddhist regions alongside special symbols to spread his teachings in the time before written language was widespread. The head is thought to represent the wisdom and knowledge of the Buddha.
Any place that you would want to represent the importance of knowledge, study, wisdom, or mindfulness would be an ideal location for Buddha head sculpture. A head or bust of Buddha would make a nice piece of decor in your study and as a gift for a teacher or student.
Where to Buy Buddha statue Online
When you're looking to buy Buddha idols online, StatueStudio.com has everything you need for worship, decor, and gifting. Feel free to browse our whole collection, or contact us directly to learn more about our company, deals, and merchandise.
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