Buying guide: How to choose a Buddha statue?

Guide d'achat : Comment bien choisir une statue de Bouddha ?

The Western world today is very closely affected by Eastern culture. Practices like martial arts and yoga have been imported since the last century. We discovered the art of meditation, a new dimension of well-being and relaxation was discovered. The European now adorns his interior (his house and his soul) and his garden with the figure of Buddha. For prayer or simply to have a zen decoration,choose a buddha statue is not an act to be taken lightly.

The use of the Buddha Statue around the world

The use of the Buddha statue and its meaning may vary from continent to continent, country to country.

The role of a Buddha statue in Asia

The sculpted figurine of this illuminated character is arguably the most emblematic of Asian culture. India, China, Japan, Thailand… All the major countries of this continent are steeped in Buddhism, but not only. The statue comes in many variations, various representations and different interpretations. But each of them is joined in the actthata statue of Buddha should be respected.

In Asia, the role of the Buddha is defined by his posture, in particular by the position of his hands called Mudras. The best known is the Atmanjali mudra which consists of joining the hands glued to each other at the level of the chest, as if to make a prayer or the Namaste sign. This is the Mudra of asking and thanking.

The Buddha statue in the western world

When choosing a Buddha statue in the western world,it is often to bring an oriental and zen touch to the decor. However, many people are turning more and more to meditation and the well-being aspect of Buddhism. Which means thatthe choice is sometimes philosophical, even spiritual.

Themodern buddha can be made from a material more common to Europeans such as wood, ceramic or even glass. This in no way takes away his presence and the respect he is owed.

Choose the right location for your Buddha statue

Whether for decoration or to benefit from the benefits of the statue, it is important to place it in the right place.

If youchoose a Buddha for your decoration, make sure it brings that feeling of fullness to your surroundings at the same time. In addition to this Asian imprint in your interior layout,a statue of buddha radiates spiritually in space. Its place is therefore strategic, most oftenat a height or in a place specially designed for him, most often on a dresser, cabinet or shelf. Themodern buddha can be related to yoga, Feng Shui ...

Some mistakes to avoid

The character is historical, spiritual, universal and respectable. Its place in your indoor or outdoor environment should not be trivial. Be aware that there are a few things to pay attention to once you have chosen your Buddha figure:

  • Place the statue or figurine on the ground, whether in the garden or indoors
  • Forgetting to clean the Buddha figurine
  • Put the statue in places considered dirty or unclean (kitchen, toilet, shower, and often the bedroom)
  • Use the statue to hang things (clothes, tools ...)
  • Point the finger at the sacred figure

What are the different types of Buddha and their meanings?

Gautama Buddha

STATUE OF BUDDHA GAUTAMA IN STONE

Buddha Siddhartha Gautama isthe most knowntraditional buddhas. The one who left his princely life to achieve enlightenment. Historically,it is he who is at the origin of Buddhism, the first to enter nirvana. He is dressed like a monk, despite his monarchical rank which can be seen in certain features of his face.

Maitreya Buddha

STATUE OF BUDDHA MAITREYA IN WOOD OF BUSH

It is the Buddha who is not yet. We call itLaughing buddha, because of his joviality and his good life. It is often a little more "padded" than the other representations. It is also one of the best known to Westerners. According to legend,the laughing Buddha is a rich and generous person who loves to feed children. This is why it is often found in Chinese restaurants and establishments. This statue isa traditional lucky charm in Asian culture.

Guanuyin Buddha

STATUE OF BUDDHA GUANUYIN IN CERAMIC

According to Chinese Buddhism, this is the Buddha of the future. The one who puts others before him. It is often seen on a lotus or a dragon, bringing help and energy to those who need it. He is a Samaritan who helps the wounded and comforts the suffering.

Amitabha Buddha

STATUE OF BUDDHA AMITABHA IN BLACK SANDALWOOD

It is one of the most spiritual representations of the Buddha.His presence is a sign of hope. He protects and consoles the unfortunate.You can choose this statue for a very zen and intangible atmosphere. This statue of Buddha brings an atmosphere of enlightenment, its place is in a sacred place.

Choose your Buddha according to his posture

The seated Buddha

This is the most classic pose in representations of Buddha, especially in modern Buddhism.The position of his hands, or Mudra, can vary and have very specific meaningsin Buddhism:

  • When he is "awake" his right hand is in contact with the earth.
  • When he meditates, his two hands overlap between his thighs.
  • When he reassures, he raises his right hand in front of him

The standing Buddha

When Buddha is in a standing posture, it is more solemn and thus requires more respect. It reproduces the same gestures as the seated Buddha butthe standing buddha statue has one of the most spiritual characteristicse.

The walking Buddha

We often see itin Thai Buddhist tradition. The statue often faces the observer, walks to meet the latter with a peace sign.

The Reclining Buddha

The resting Buddha statue is the only one that can possibly be placed in a bedroom because it is not looking at you.The Buddha figurine in this posture promotes relaxation and letting go of worries, professional or personal.

Choose the right material

The Buddha statue is always made from a raw and sober material. The representation of this illuminated icon can be made in precious metal such as gold or silver, in wood, in glass or other noble and aesthetic materials. If you wantbuy buddha statue online, here are the most famous materials:

The Stone Buddha

This material is more suitable for an outdoor environment like the terrace, the veranda or the garden. The stone Buddha resists everything (wind, rain, sun ...), time has no hold on him. Paradoxically, the sculpture evolves over time, shaped by natural elements, without losing its personality and its aura. As the material is heavy, consider placing the statue on a solid base.

Le wooden buddha

The wooden Buddha is made for the interior because the material is less resistant to bad weather. The best known are the statues made of pine, bui and sandalwood. It easily enhances your Zen and natural decor. A real exotic touch that can go perfectly with other accessories from the same family, such asthe Mala necklace or the Tibetan singing bowl.

The ceramic Buddha

It is an elegant statue and can adapt to all environments, the material can withstand all climates. Its lightness and its pure color allow it to blend perfectly into your interior decoration, most often minimalist. Ceramics, also known as porcelain, have been widely used in Chinese crafts for thousands of years before Jesus Christ. Its technique and stylistics innovate year after year and it remains timeless in decoration.

The Metal Buddha

Metal is also widely used in the manufacture of a Buddha statue. Most often, we find the statue of Buddha in copper. At Artisan d'Asie, for example, we offer copper buddha statues yellow, bronze and sometimes painted entirely made by hand.

The choice is very wide, then it's up to you to choose the Buddha figurine that best meets your expectations and your tastes. And why not start your little collection?


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