Generally speaking, Buddha statues demonstrate 'Buddharupas' the major task of which is to represent and give some information about the teachings of the Buddha. Speaking about Buddhism it’s necessary to say that the ultimate and most important goal of this religion is covering the path of enlightenment and achievement of Nirvana in the end. Buddha is known to be the man who has reached this goal and passed the path with dignity. He is the one who has studied much from the wisdom of nature and due to this knowledge he got enlightened. Nevertheless, Buddha is not a god, he was simply a human who managed to undergo what is called a thoughtful spiritual changing.
So, a Buddha statue depicts the very prophet mentioned above and in itself this piece of art symbolizes sacred knowledge that is represented in almost each smallest part of the figure. Very few people know that every physical element of the Buddha statue or rupa symbolizes the teaching of Buddha.
You probably know that there’re different styles of Buddha statues and the major difference between these styles consists in different positions of Buddha statues. As many positions the statue has as many meanings it offers. Thus, there’re different Buddha statues or rupas in various positions. As a rule, these are sitting positions, standing positions and reclining positions.
So, the most popular position of the Buddha statue is a sitting one. Dhyana mudra is a statue illustrating Buddha sitting on a lotus flower in a meditating form. This statue depicts Buddha in a sitting position with crossed legs, while hand are shown with different gestures. The Dhyana mudra shows the meditating state or practice of viapassana meditation. This kind of meditation offers the ultimate path to achieving enlightenment that is called "Nirvana".
The most popular kinds of Buddha statues in a sitting position include Dhyani Buddhas (Amitabha, Amoghsiddhi, Akshobhya, Vairochana, Ratna Sambhava), Shakyamuni Buddha, White Tara, Vajrasattva, Green Tara, Vajradhara, Manjushri, Kubera, Kharcheri, Vasundhara, Padmasambava, etc.
One of the most popular standing Buddha statues depicts Buddha who is holding a rice bowl patra in one hand, while the second hand is raised with a palm turned outside and is located in front of his chest. This is the gesture of giving blessings. The examples of such Buddha statues are Dipankar Buddha, Avalokiteshvara, Dancing Tara, Vajrapani, Ekjata, Hayvajra, Chakrasamvara, Vajrayogini, Heruka, Megha Samvara, Vajravarahi, Vajrakilla, etc.
The reclining position of Buddha symbolizes his passing away and the state of enlightenment called Nirvana. Further, there’re several most popular hand gestures or mudra which can be also depicted in the sitting or standing positions.
1. Meditation Mudra - Amitabha – in this posture one of the palms is located on top of another palm, while both palms are turned upward.
2. Protection Mudra - Ratna Sambhava – in this posture the right hand is raised while the palm faces out.
3. Teaching Mudra - Vairochana - in this posture both hands are raised on the same level in front of the chest and the palms face out.
4. Enlightened Mudra - Shakyamuni - in this posture the enlightened Buddha holds his right hand turned down while one finger touches the earth. This posture represents the earth as a witness of Buddha’s enlightenment.
5. Blessing Mudra - Amoghasiddhi - in this posture Buddha’s right hand is laid down and the palm faces out.
Generally speaking, there’re hundreds of other Buddha statues and Buddha’s positions or mudras. You can find additional information on mudras and Buddha statues online.
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