Symbolism of Buddhist Statues & Images
66Symbolism of the Buddha
Buddharupa in Sanskrit refers to statues and models of the Buddha and literally means Form of the Awakened One. The term may also be used in reference with images and paintings of the Buddha. In Buddhist temples and homes statues of the Buddha are usually positioned higher the the people and other objects to show respect and reverence. Theravada Buddhists do not worship the Buddha statue or image but show respect for it, whereas Mahayana Buddhists tend to believe that more direct worship of the Buddha image or statue may bring them closer to Enlightenment.
The Buddha's different appearances also have varying meanings.
- Often Buddha statues and images seen in the West is a fat or happy Buddha. This may symbolize the Buddha's later life when he was happy and traveling around northern India instructing disciples. This fat or smiling Buddha is often seen in Chinese Buddhism as there are stories of a Chinese monk who considered himself to embody the Buddha.
- In southeast Asia and India the Buddha is often seen as skinny or emaciated, representing the Buddha's suffering. Japanese Buddha statues are often square and solid.
- In China and Japan statues and images of the Buddha statues may also have an upper body robe as it's considered socially inappropriate for a monk or nun to show the upper arm.
- When the Buddha with short hair this may symbolize when he cut his hair after leaving the riches of his father's royal palace.
- His long earlobes symbolize past wealth when he wore heavy earrings.
- Quite often the Buddha has a protruding head, symbolizing the disconnection between the mind and body, known as Bodhisattva.
- A dot between the eyes represents vision and Enlightenment.
- A tuft of hair growing from the top of the head represents wisdom.
Buddha's Body Positions
Buddha statues may show the Buddha seated, standing or in a reclining position. The Buddha's positions vary according to the country or region of origin and have different symbolic meanings.
- A Buddha in a sitting position in the lotus position or on lotus leaves may symbolize suffering as the lotus roots are grounded in mud. And, with the leaves pointing upwards to the heavens the lotus leaves may symbolize Enlightenment.
- A standing Buddha may symbolize the Buddha giving blessings with his hands in front of his chest.
- A reclining Buddha may symbolize death and reaching Nirvana.
We've just scratched the surface in learning about the symbolism of Buddhist statues in this article. The following titles may provide wonderful insights for you in pursuing your learning about Buddhism. I have also included some beautiful Happy Buddha statues made of green jade available now on eBay. Of all the Buddha statues these are my favorite!
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Hello Chris1! In Taiwan Kuan Yin is extremely revered and is said to bring good luck and i believe protect fishermen at sea! david
Hey. i'm doing a piece of work for school on the symbols of the Buddha and i need to know what the flame on his head symbolises. Does anyone have any ideas?
i have a buddha its made of white marble it has its hands in the air its standing up and it looks to be wering a robe of some sort can you tell me what it means?
i have found an old buddah during the flood days in my village what do with it ican provide its vedio it
Aaron, the flames are the flames of enlightenment and symbolize Buddha as being the person who attained a true understanding of the nature of mind.
Figure of Buddha with children around it, what does it mean?
yee buddhas my boy. its the only religion that repersents peace and you dont have to worship anyone. straight up buddism is the bets religion out there
Hey whats up.. I have a question if someone wudnt mind helpn me with it?? Tryna find out wat my statue is.. and if its worth value... Does anyone hav a suggestion on where i could take it ti find out??
hi i have a budda statue that my ex-boyfriend gave me back in 2005, since he never told me what this one actually stands for, ive tried to research it. but i cant find any pics of it or anything close to it. can anyone tell me what this one might be and what its made of? if you email me, ill send u a pic of it and maybe someone can tell me what the meaning(s) of this one may be. a hint would be that it carries a bag of some kind with some chinese symbols on it, and a bowl with some kind of round thing in it and its all red colored. if you still need a pic let me know. tranquilyankee1@embarqmail.com
Can you please tell me what is the significance of a standing Buddha with a bowl in one hand and showing the other hand towards us, means.
Please e-mail the meaning of this posture to ckarishmarao@yahoo.com
Great article about the postures of the Buddha. Thanks for sharing.
We love stuff about the Buddha over at the Buddha's Face blog would be really pleased if you had a look at my humble blog - over 2 years and 400 posts.
I like Buddga
After looking and looking for info on represetation of the Budhha, I finally find this website! Thank you. :]
"Buddhist" DO NOT WORSHIP the statue or image of Buddha. Your information is incorrect.
Yesterday someone gave me a buddah pendant....should I wear it, what is it representing? They said they saw it and thought about me.
Lotus
I am a students of buddhist religion and I want to see all the old status of buddha.
what does the budda that means sitting there with big feet and a goofy grin and both hand are down at his sides facing inward holding basically his thighs. love statue giving to me from my decease father but would like to know what symbol it means. can anybody help?
Shelly
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Chris1|Chris2 2 years ago
What do you know of Kuan Yin, or Avalokiteshvara? I'm always fascinated by the variety of ways in which her forms of compassion are depicted. Do you have a favorite depiction of her?