How To Choose a Buddha Statue – #3 Difference & Purchase Guide

Buddhism being one of the most popular religions among the mass grabs a big deal of attention while choosing a statue of Buddha. Buddha meaning ‘the Enlightened One’ represents the symbol of contentment, peace and satisfaction which also comes with its Statue at home, office or other significant locations.

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How To Choose a Buddha Statue

We shall learn in details how to choose a Buddha statue while we buy it for home decorations or gifting purpose.

Statue of Buddha around you brings calm, positivity and prosperity into your life. The Buddha Statues depict various postures and mudras. One has to understand the meaning of these significances before choosing a Buddha Statue. 

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Understanding the Buddha Statue

There are many different Buddha statues that show different meanings. The hand positions and sitting postures of Buddha represent every phase of his life after his renunciation and getting enlightenment. Understanding these representations will make it easier for us on how to choose a Buddha Statue

#1. Shakhyamuni Buddha
This is known as Bhumisparsha Mudra or “Earth Touching”.

#2. Medicine Buddha
Also known as Medicine Bowl or Gift Giving Varada Mudra

#3. Aparmita Buddha
This position of Buddha is Dhyana or “Meditation” Mudra with “Vessel of Longevity”. 

#4. Protection Buddha
Also known as Abhaya Mudra

#5.  White Tara
The Buddha statue in this one  has a “Gift Giving” Varada Mudra with 2 lotus flowers,  and 7 Eyes.

#6. Amitabha Buddha
This statue of Buddha shows him in Dhayana or “Meditation” Mudra with Alms Bowl

#7.  Chenrezig
Seated statue with four arms and a Lotus flower grows over the left shoulder.

#8. Avalokitesvara
This statue has 11 heads and 1000 arms

#9. Green Tara
This one shows the Buddha in “Gift Giving” Varada Mudra with two Eyes and One Leg in Panhandle

#10. Vajaradhara
This statue has His Hands crossed in front of His Heart holding vajra and bell. Diamond Mudra.

#11. Manjushri
In this statue, the Buddha is seen with a sword raised in His right Hand and lotus flower grows over the Left Shoulder.

#12. Vajrasattva
His left Hand holding a bell rested on His lap and vajra in  right Hand in front of His Heart.

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Etiquette of placing the Buddha Statue

There are few points to remember while placing the statue of Buddha which are as follows

• The statue of Buddha is never to be placed in kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom
• The Buddha Statue should always be placed at a height of 2.5 ft from the floor.
• The placement of the statue must be such that it is seen and appreciated.
• The purchase and choice of the Buddha statue should come from within and without confusion.
• The Buddha statue is preferably to be placed facing the entrance. It brings in the positive energy, keeping away the negative vibes from entering the house.

The Direction in which a Buddha Statue should face

The Buddha Statue when placed facing the entrance of the house from the inside is proved to be most beneficial. It also throws light on how to choose a Buddha statue. It is so believed as the statue is the first thing the eyes fall on upon entering the house. The calm and peace it resonates, draws out all the bitterness and negative energy from within on seeing the statue. This is the reason why the statue of Buddha is suggested at a place where you can see on entering.

To get into specific details of placing the Buddha Statue, one must consult a Feng shui expert for some statues have their respective particulars like Amitabha sits in west side where He finds his Pure Land of Sukhavati and Akshobhya Buddha resides in the east direction where He rules over Abhirati, Eastern Paradise. The south is ruled by Ratnasambhava Buddha.

The Best Place To Purchase a Buddha Statue

It is believed that the best statues of Buddha are manufactured in Nepal, particularly in Kathmandu. It is however not practically possible to visit the place for buying a Buddha statue. This is easier in Nepal to learn on how to choose a Budhha Statue. There are other options available like the online shop which sells authentic Nepali thangkas, statues and ritual items.

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3 Different Buddha Statues Which Are Complimentary To Each Other

While understanding how to choose a Buddha Statue or visit Buddhist Temples, we come across another kind where a number of Buddha idols together. This is what is called being complimentary to each other. The combination of these statues varies, based on the geography where the temple is located. Following are the common ones:

#1. Five Dhyani Buddhas

The five Dhayani Buddhas is supremely valued and worshipped in Tibetan Buddhism. The five Dhyani Buddhas are Akshobhya, Vaircona, Ratnasambhava, Amoghasiddhi and Amitabha. Each one of these exhibits different period of time of Buddha’s life span

These Dhyani Buddha is known by their respective colour, mudra, direction and animal associated.

#2. Medicine Buddha Trinity

Medicine Buddha Sutra is considered to be one influential Buddhist Text in Mahayana Buddhism. This text acknowledges Medicine Buddha guarding the East, Sakhyamuni Buddha representing the basic principles of Buddha and Amitabha Buddha guarding the West. The combination of these Buddhas is such that the Shakyamuni is placed in the middle with slight elevation, Medicine Buddha is seated to the left and Amitabha to the right. 

#3. Shakyamuni Buddha Trinity

In this combination, Manjushri and Avalokitesvara are the ones in combination with Shakyamuni Buddha. Manjushri expresses the wisdom of Buddha and Avalokitesvara represents His Compassion. Here, Shakyamuni is placed in an elevated altar at the back with the other Bodhisattvas in the front. 

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The Fat Buddha Statues

“Fat Buddha” does exist in Chinese Buddhism which is known as “Budai”. Budai represents prosperity and happiness. His popularity knows no bounds. He is also remembered as a monk who in real life has lived in the 10th century.

Many people know Budai as the “laughing Buddha” who is always seen with a smile on His face and a sack carrying His possessions that is slung over His shoulder. So, the name Budai means “cloth sack”. He is believed to be the incarnation of Maitreya, according to the beliefs of the Chinese Buddhists. 

Which Is The Most Significant Buddha Statue?

In this segment of how to choose a Budhha Statue we shall be knowing the most significant Buddha statue for our space. All the different statues of Buddha hold equal amount of significance. There is no single statue of Buddha that stands out separately. Buddha in resting position with His Head resting on His Right Hand and left Hand resting on His Body is equally important as the one where the Buddha is seated in meditation.

In this case, while choosing the Buddha Statue one has to have the knowledge of placing the statue in the right direction facing where it is required to. Meditation Buddha, Resting Buddha, Buddha face wall hanging are the famous Buddha statues on online, India.

Do We Give Buddha Statue as Gifts? ?

Buddha statues can be received and given as gifts. There is nothing bad in doing so. However, it is not recommended to delay the purchase once the thought of acquiring one, comes in. Self-gifting is sometimes regarded as meritorious. But the real concern here is how to choose a Buddha statue which is appropriate for gifting and keeping one at home.

Brass and Bronze Buddha Idols

Brass and Bronze Statues are very calm when you facing this in right direction in your home. We can buy statue on online for peacefulness for your home. You can buy handcrafted idols unique and best sculpture in India with best price.

How to Choose a Buddha Statue On Online? Is it the Right One?

There are many authentic sources available online to teach you how to  choose a Buddha statue which is right for you before buying. Consulting an expert is always highly recommended if you are a ardent follower of Feng shui.

What to offer on the Buddhist Altar?

Apart from the Buddha statue, the altar is seen covered with flowers, candles, incense, a bowl of water, fruits and lotus. These offerings have their own respective significance in relation with Buddhist beliefs and virtues.

• Flowers: The flowers at the Altar symbolize impermanence as the smell and colour will soon disappear as they decay.
• Incense: The smell of incense encourages pure moral conduct and morality.
• Water: The offering of water represents calmness, purity, and clarity. It, therefore, strengthens the mind.
• Fruit: It represents the reward of “Nirvana” awaiting the faithful practitioner
• Candles: The burning of candles at the Altar signifies the victory of light over darkness that is knowledge over ignorance.
• Lotus: The presence of lotus represents the Buddha himself. As the lotus grows out of the mud pond to raise high above the dirt water and blooms into full flower. This whole process of lotus blooming gives an encouragement to the followers to choose the path and walk towards enlightenment.

Summing Up..

In India, the impact of Buddhism is felt to a great extent as we see many Stupas and Sanchis across the country. It is equally important to have basic learnings of how to choose a Buddha statue. Therefore, it will be not be incorrect to say that the Buddha Statues are seen in almost every houses here as they are believed to bring wealth, peace of mind, prosperity and positive energy in and around the house. Hope we could address each and every concern regarding how to choose a Budhha Statue in this article.