The Untold Story Behind Buddha Statues: Why They Were Created and What They Truly Mean
Walk into a house, a meditation center or the latest executive office and chances are, you will see a Buddha statue planted placidly in some corner. His calm face always instills a sense of serenity but have you ever wondered what lay behind the creation of Buddha statues? Many people are drawn to them, some even find a piece of art in them but what significance do they really hold?
Read on to find out about the meaning behind these fascinating artifacts.
Who Was Gautama Buddha?
Over two and a half millennia ago, a young prince was born into the royal family of what is present day Nepal. Siddharta Gautama, as he was named, soon grew disillusioned with the lives of the people around him and set out to discover the meaning of life.
Many years of meditation led the determined prince to discover enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. Buddha, which means the enlightened one, was what he was called ever since.
He taught others the path of moderation and compassion through actions, thoughts and speech.
What Was The Purpose Of Buddha Statues?
The creation of Buddha statues did not begin immediately after his death.
In fact, for hundreds of years there were no depictions of the sacred leader in the form of statues. It was only centuries later that the first images of Buddha began to appear in Gandhara and Mathura.
The earliest depictions of the meditation master did not resemble Buddha in the way we think of him today.
For hundreds of years after his death, artists tried to capture his image using the Bodhi tree, the Dharma Wheel, lotus flowers, and footprints. It was not until roughly the first century AD that the first human figures of the great leader began to appear.
The purpose of Buddha statues was to remind people of their teacher, his legacy and the path of virtue he had laid out for all who wished to follow him.
They did not serve religious purposes, as Buddha discouraged idol worship.
What Do The Different Buddha Statues Mean?
As mentioned before, there are numerous depictions of Buddha. The reason for this is that each statue represents a certain event or period of his life. While some portray him sitting in meditation, others show him touching the earth or displaying the Dharma Wheel.
Each of the Buddha statues is different from one another but they all signify the same ideals and virtues.
The Meditation Buddha is a reminder of the importance of cultivating mental peace and mindfulness while the Earth-touching Buddha reminds us of the universal truth Buddha brought to the world upon achieving enlightenment.
Meanwhile, the Teaching Buddha is a representation of the dissemination of Buddha's teachings and the Blessing Buddha is a reminder of the virtues of compassion.
Are Buddha Statues Only For Decorative Purposes?
Buddha statues have become very popular as home decorations due to their appealing aesthetic but they also serve a deeper, more meaningful purpose. Many people opt for a Buddha statue to decorate their homes or places of work as a means to remind themselves of important life lessons.
They are an elegant way to display one's personal values and beliefs.
Most of us lead very busy lives and it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life. Often times, we forget the most fundamental life lessons and the importance of living mindfully.
But Buddha statues, with their elegant simplicity can be a constant reminder of the need to reflect and be virtuous.
Final Thoughts
Buddha statues are artifacts full of history and meaning.
They transcend time, being an important part of numerous civilizations throughout history.
Yet the most fascinating part of them is that they have maintained their original significance despite the passage of time.
Understanding the significance behind them makes us reconnect with these ancient artifacts in a whole new way.
Explore the Essential Soul Buddha Collection and find a piece that reflects your style and inspires mindful living.
