TIBETAN BUDDHIST STATUES

Delving Into The Soul Of Buddha Statue

In Tibet, the pursuit of art is a spiritual endeavour for both the artist and the patron who commissions a work. Each step of the process of sculpting a deity involves prayer and ritual, often of considerable complexity. This is why Buddhist sculptures are hollow in terms of make - inside them are placed deposits of various grains (symbol of plenty), religious texts in minuscule scrolls, and tsa-tsa (moulded clay offerings, an ancient Tibetan Buddhist practice). 

All of these add to the final liturgical value of the sculpture in question. Most of Tibetan art, from where we handpick the works in this section, draws from the Buddhist faith. Heir to the ancient traditions that arrived from Nepal, Kashmir, and Central Asia. It started with the interiors of monastic sanctuaries and meeting halls. Each of these pieces has the power to fill your space with unmistakable calm and stability.

Explore Our Offerings - Buddha Statue

The variety of media to be discovered in our collection is as vast as Tibetan sculpture offers. There is pise (an endemic medium of compressed earth), clay, wood, stone, and a variety of metals such as brass, bronze, and copper. Superimposed with traditional design, paint, gold gilding, and gems, these sculptures are one-of-a-kind and flawlessly finished. While endemic wood, as well as the skill required to carve it into the figures you see here, are expensive; stone is marginally employed in these artworks, mostly with the intention of having the sculpture in question consecrated.

For centuries now, metal is what local sculptors prefer. The larger ones have been done with repousse (strategic hammering and shaping), the smaller ones are examples of the relatively simpler lost-wax technique (molten metal replacing the wax pouring out of a vented clay cocoon). The Tibetan word 'li' denotes all sorts of metals and their alloys, of varying levels of refinement, and blended in non-uniform proportions. This leads to a wide variety of finishes of the same buddha statue, which we suggest you zoom in on the respective product pages.

Note the exquisite gilding on some of our select pieces - the tsang-ser method consists of gold mixed with resin or even honey to be painted onto the surface area with a well-worn brush. In case of paint, the coloured pigments employed are of high value, having been sourced and fashioned with hard work. In most buddha statues, the countenance is highlighted, but there are a few in our collection that are completely coated with paint. Lacquered and gilded aside, some Tibetan Buddha Statues are inlaid with semiprecious stones, which is an influence of the Nepalese tradition. The soul of a Buddhist Statue lies in the consecration deposits placed within the figure.

Buddhism, a system that has its roots deep in a golden past, has reached every corner of the world through its mystical wings. With increasing curiosity and enthusiasm in the culture, it has slowly but surely been visually manifested in everyday life by the use of logos, figures, and idols. Buddhist jewellery is a means to feel and display thanks to the universe, and be grateful to the body for being the power source. Exotic India brings together significant, divine, and earthly Buddhist jewellery with different symbols and slogans that help you spiritually elevate. 

Adding a simple yet dainty piece of jewellery like a Mandala bracelet or a tree of life pendant can help us feel closer to our higher self, get in touch with Buddha, and inculcate an approach to live a life like him, by getting us more grounded, calm and kind in nature. The buddha jewellery pieces have remarkably high energetic frequencies that seep through our life. With jewellery pieces that have Buddhist depictions as well as crystals, they remind us to keep our zen and our mind and body at peace. 

FAQs

Which type of Buddha is good for home?

Lord Buddha is shown in a variety of poses, each representing a distinct virtue in life. Here are the top 3 recommended for one’s home. Hence, describing poses significance for you to resonate and choose as per your belief-

1. Laughing Buddha is considered a sign of wealth, happiness and can help in the building of positive energy.

   
   

2. The blessing gesture of Buddha seated with one hand raised has two meanings. The first is protection, in which the raised hand serves as a shield, keeping negativity and danger at bay. The second interpretation is to be at peace with oneself through overcoming fear.

   
   

3. Buddha with his hands folded in prayer indicates dedication and faith. This Buddha figure is significant for your altar or pooja area. Ideally, you should light a lamp or candle around a praying Buddha. This allows the energy of fire to align with the positive radiating from the idol.

Is the Buddha head statue disrespectful?

The answer to this lingering question is, no, it's not disrespectful to own a Buddha statue as long as you keep a few things in mind. These include ensuring a clean space for the Buddha statue to sit, not putting it in the bathroom or hallway, keeping the statue clean and never possessing a single Buddha head, which will insult traditional Buddhists owing to their terrible past. So if you’re ticking all the things in this list, welcoming a Buddha head statue to your humble abode or a space where you want to seep in the blessings of the enlightened one can be a favourable move. 

What does my Buddha statue mean?

Buddha statues may be found all around Asia, representing Gautama Buddha's teachings and travels. The purpose and significance of each statue are defined by certain physical qualities, positions, and attitudes. The Buddha's mudras, or hand motions, denote teaching, meditation, enlightenment, and wisdom. Example-

• Happy Buddha- Buddha in a sitting or standing pose, hands above his head, holding a real or fictitious Ru-Yi pot. This statue signifies happiness, magnanimity, abundance and is a sign of good luck and is believed that petting his head or belly brings fortune and wealth.

• Reclining Buddha- Buddha is seen laying on his right side on top of a table. This serene and beaming statue depicts the compassion and calm that comes with nirvana.

• Protection Buddha- Buddha may be seated or standing, with a raised handheld in Abhaya mudra indicates “fear not” and offers courage and protection from fear and anger. 

• Teaching Buddha- The Buddha places his right hand at shoulder level, the tips of his thumb and index finger meeting and making a circle. This statue represents wisdom, awareness and realising your purpose in life. It is perfect for someone who is focused on spirituality.

• Medicine Buddha- With the right hand facing down, fingers stretched toward the ground, palm facing out, and a bowl of herbs in the left hand, this Buddha Statue illustrates the power to cure all sufferings and emphasises the holistic healing of the mind and body.

• Walking Buddha- Buddha has the right hand hoisted and facing outward, while the left-hand swings just beside the body, behind the left foot. This posture represents inner tranquillity and grace.

• Meditation Buddha- The Buddha is seen with both hands on his lap, face-up, and his legs crossed, either in a Double Lotus pose (with each leg's ankles tucked under the other in a locked position) or in a Single Lotus pose (where one leg rests on top of the other leg) and it symbolises focus on oneself.

Therefore, the buddha statue you choose will have a meaning and purpose that matches your beliefs.