A Buddha statue is a representation of the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who lived in the 6th or 5th century BCE and taught a path of enlightenment, compassion, and wisdom. There are many types and styles of Buddha statues.
Buddha statues vary in their posture, size, colour, material, and expression. Some statues show the Buddha sitting in a meditative pose, while others show him standing, walking, reclining, or performing other actions.
Some statues are small enough to fit in a palm, while others are gigantic and carved into mountainsides. Some statues are made of stone, metal, wood, clay, or resin, while others are adorned with gold, jewels, paint, or lacquer.
Buddha statues are not only artistic creations, but also objects of reverence and devotion for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. They are often placed in temples, shrines, homes, gardens, or public spaces as reminders of the Buddha’s teachings.
They are reminders of the Buddha’s teachings and examples of his qualities. They are also used as focal points for meditation, prayer, offerings, and rituals. By looking at a Buddha statue, one can feel inspired to follow the Buddha’s path.
Some statues have serene and peaceful face, while others have a smiling or laughing one. Through these statues, one can attain enlightenment for oneself and others.
Some of the common features of Buddha statues are: The mudra, or hand gesture, that indicates the Buddha’s activity or state of mind. The usnisa, or bump on the top of the head, symbolizes the Buddha’s wisdom and spiritual power.
The urna, or dot between the eyebrows, represents the Buddha’s supernatural vision and the elongated earlobes, which signify the Buddha’s renunciation of worldly pleasures and attachments.