The story of Buddha is depicted on this statue. In one hand, he holds a bowl with divine nectar and the other hand calls the earth to witness his enlightenment. His elongated ear lobes signify that he is able to listen inward, his turban on his head represents enlightenment and the small curled strand of hair between his eyebrows represents the eye of wisdom. A statue or painting of a Buddha is called in Sanskrit a "Buddharupa," meaning "the form of an Enlightened One." Buddhists have used such images for thousands of years to show how the Truth can be found within oneself through the practice of meditation and spiritual training. Thus, a statue of Shakyamuni does more than commemorate an historical figure; it is a reminder of the spiritual potential inherent within all of us to awaken to the Truth as he, a fellow human being, did. Bowing and offering incense at these altars expresses both the recognition of the spiritual qualities shown by these statues and the aspiration to manifest these same qualities within ourselves.This statue is cast of plaster/resin with a metallic coating over it. The casting allows for detail even on a smaller statue, but these are not artisan-made. Note that statues are very fragile. Made in Nepal.
The story of Buddha is depicted on this statue. In one hand, he holds a bowl with divine nectar and the other hand calls the earth to witness his enlightenment. His elongated ear lobes signify that he is able to listen inward, his turban on his head represents enlightenment and the small curled strand of hair between his eyebrows represents the eye of wisdom. A statue or painting of a Buddha is called in Sanskrit a "Buddharupa," meaning "the form of an Enlightened One." Buddhists have used such images for thousands of years to show how the Truth can be found within oneself through the practice of meditation and spiritual training. Thus, a statue of Shakyamuni does more than commemorate an historical figure; it is a reminder of the spiritual potential inherent within all of us to awaken to the Truth as he, a fellow human being, did. Bowing and offering incense at these altars expresses both the recognition of the spiritual qualities shown by these statues and the aspiration to manifest these same qualities within ourselves.
This statue is cast of plaster/resin with a metallic coating over it. The casting allows for detail even on a smaller statue, but these are not artisan-made. Note that statues are very fragile. Made in Nepal.
Amitayus is the name given to Amitabha in his aspect as the bestower of long life. Amitayus is shown as a Bodhisattva and is therefore richly clad and wears thirteen ornaments. His hair falls to his elbows or may be curiously coiled. He is seated like a Buddha and his hands are holding the ambrosia vase, his special emblem. The vase is richly decorated and from the cover fall four strings of beads which represent sacred pills.
This statue is crafted of copper with a weighted base, using the lost wax process. This is a complex technique that requires hand sculpting and meticulous attention to detail. The craftsmanship involved in the creative process helps imbue the pieces with the essential qualities of Buddhist practice.. Made in Nepal.
Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of the compassion of all of the Buddhas and is regarded by the Tibetan people as the guardian of the country. Avalokiteshvara, or Chenrezig in Tibetan, is most often depicted white in color but sometimes red, symbolizing his passionate concern for beings. He is one of the eight Bodhisattvas and one of the two chief Bodhisattvas of Amitabha. He is one of the Three Protectors of Beings, which have the Padma or Lotus family. Through his sharing of mankind's misery, he positions himself to help those in distress and is considered a savior. The Dalai Lama and the Karmapa are both considered to be emanations of Chenrezig.
Manjushri is the bodhisattva of awakened intelligence. In his right hand, he holds the flaming sword of compassion which cuts through desire, delusion, and aversion. In his left hand, he holds The Perfection of Wisdom, teachings on emptiness, or the non-dualistic nature of ultimate reality.
Green Tara is known as the "Mother of all Buddhas." This is because she is the wisdom of reality, and all Buddhas and bodhisattvas are born from this wisdom. This wisdom is also the fundamental cause of happiness, and our own spiritual growth comes from this wisdom.
Green Tara is the patron of Nepal and she represents the motherly aspect of compassion. Born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of compassion, she offers help to overcome obstacles. Tara belongs to the Karma family of unobstructed compassionate activity, symbolized by her green color and is the Wisdom Consort of the Transcendental Buddha Amogasiddhi.
