The Buddha Statue -- Symbolism and History

Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism and is the figure represented by the Buddha statue. He was an Indian prince who lived from 563 to 483 B.C. Buddhism is a religious philosophy that, unlike many other traditional religions does not believe in a personal God that punishes our wrong-doings and rewards our good deeds individually. It was originally begun as an atheistic philosophy. It is based on the Noble Eightfold path and the Four Truths. The Buddha statue represents the "Enlightened One." The Four Noble Truths are: that suffering is part of life, craving is what causes suffering, the suffering stops when the craving stops, and that the only way to conquer the cravings and suffering is to follow the Noble Eightfold Path.


The First Statue


It is believed that the first Buddha statue was not created until four or five hundred years after the death of Buddha out of respect. Therefore, the statues are not an exact replication of the person and there is no "right way" to represent him. The artist had artistic freedom of expression in that area. But, there are certain characteristics and symbolic elements that you will find at least one of in every Buddha statue.


• If the hands are resting in the lap this represents meditation.


• The hands crossing over the chest are a symbol of Dharma-or a state of "being."


• In the earliest Buddha statue, the figure has both hands raised with the ring finger on the left hand touching the thumb and the index finger on the right hand is touching the thumb to make a circle with the three other fingers held aright. It is not certain what this symbolizes.

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Buddha Statues For the Home and Office

Buddha statues have become the "in" way to decorate your home, office, and any other personal space. From the smallest of small intricate statues to massive replicas of traditional Buddha statues. There is a Buddha statue for anyone, at any age at any time in their life. There are a few circumstances in which you will find you need a Buddha statue. Buddha statues fit into any serene atmosphere, whether it be inside or out.


Some are even well-suited as garden statues. From home and garden shops, Feng shui shops, yoga shops, and Buddhist specialty shops. While you may be able to find them at your local shop, taking your Buddha statue shopping online is the perfect method. The price range of Buddha statues can vary greatly for many different reasons. Chances are if you purchase a small polyresin statue of Buddha, it will be less expensive than the intricately carved jade statues. However, size still plays a role in the price of any one Buddha statue. Often times made of porcelain to prevent the water-wear that will come with the constant dripping of water.


Remember, that while you may simply select any Buddha statue by it's looks. If there is any one specific purpose that you wish to obtain a Buddha statue; you will find that this guide will be helpful in your search for the perfect addition to your home.

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Po Lin Monastery – Hong Kong’s Hideout for the Famous Giant Buddha Statue

Home to a mammoth Buddha statue, the Po Lin Monastery is a true revelation of the cultural side of Hong Kong. The Po Lin Monastery itself is the most popular Buddhist monastery in the country and attracts not only worshippers, but also streams of tourists that pour in to view this historic site. Upon visiting the monastery, you will be able to stroll through numerous halls in its sanctuary such as the Hall of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, the Sutra-Collection Hall, the Da Xiong Bao Dian and the Banruo Hall.


The most attractive statue to be seen when visiting the Po Lin Monastery is that of the Tian Tan Big Buddha situated on top of a pedestal on the Muyu Mountain near the monastery. The Gongde Hall holds a statue of Ti-tsang Bodhisattva, whilst the Fajie Hall contains a wooden book that records events of past bodhisattva discussions. Am Exhibition Hall also found onsite holds a historic bell that has engravings of Lord Buddha and other writings, and is rung everyday at regular intervals.


Visitors looking for elegant and comfortable hotels in Hong Kong from which to explore the city can ideally stay at a Kowloon hotel. One such hotel is the Langham Hong Kong hotel which is a preferred choice by many due to its central location and relaxing environment in the heart of Hong Kong's tourist district.

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Buddha Statues: Way of Enlightenment

The statues of Buddha represent the "enlightened one." In today's robotic life, when everyone is search of serenity and tranquility- Buddha statues comes as a great relief. There's a wide-variety of hand-carved Buddhist deities sculptures based on templates and standardized styles such as wooden happy buddha, hand carved sitting buddha, blessing buddha statues, meditating buddha statue, reclining buddha, siddhartha buddha, large thai buddha, buddha on lotus, serenity buddha, teaching buddha etc. Each statue is unique. There are varieties of Buddhist statues and sculptures


Garden Buddha Statues:


People custom orders garden statues to enhance the exterior décor of Zen gardens and meditation gardens.


Large Buddha Statues:


They are the most revered statues of Buddha and Bodhisattva. Elegant and beautifully finished large Buddha Statues, come in a variety of style, shape and designs. The craftsmanship of these statues enhances the décor and uplifts the home décor.


Wooden Buddha Statues:


Statues of Buddha statues are made from a variety of material and wooden Buddha statues are the most popular. It requires great craftsmanship and minute detailing to create a beautiful piece of wooden Buddha sculptures. The great luster of wooden statues of Buddha is imparted by polishing and finishing it with stains and teak oil.


Laughing Buddha:


Laughing Buddha is referred to a non-Buddhist Chinese monk. Statues of laughing Buddha are the representation of contentment and abundance.


Standing Buddha Statues:


Standing Buddha is also known as Siddhartha Gautam Buddha.

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