Buddha statues

The S tatues Buddha : Feng Shui decoration, Zen atmosphere.

The statuette, figurine or even statue of Buddha has made a comeback in recent years in the world of interior decoration. These Buddhist sculptures that can be seen originally only in Chinese, Thai, Indian or Tibetan Buddhist temples are no longer reserved for Asian crafts and are now installed in our interiors as Zen decoration and even in the exterior thanks to a Buddha garden statue.

Statues of Buddha : the symbol

The statues can represent different Buddhas which each have their meanings.
The laughing Buddha and his big belly also called Chinese Buddha for example symbolizes the joy of living and the wealth while the reclining Buddha represents the physical death of Buddha before enlightenment and its entry into Nirvana.
The protective Buddha with his right hand raised meanwhile has the meaning "Overcome fear" and embodies a shield against negative waves.

Other important Buddhas considered as deities or spiritual guide in Buddhism are often represented as the Shakyamuni Buddhas the original Buddha or Gautama Buddha, Bodhisattva, Amitabha or even Maitreya.

Some Buddha Statues only represent the head of Buddha while others show him performing a hand gesture called Mudra taken up by Buddhist monks.

Buddha statue : handcrafted

Made of different materials such as resin, terracotta, bronze, stone, ceramic or even wood, the traditional Buddha statue is hand-carved in order to bring a zen touch and get a unique decorative object.

Buddha statue : the placement

The location of the Buddha statue differs according to its symbolism.
A Buddha sitting in the lotus position will therefore not have the same place as a Zen Buddha in meditation.
A large Buddha or a small Buddha will also have a different location just like a wooden Buddha or a Buddha in stone.

Strict rules must be observed for the placement of a Buddha statue in order to follow the fundamentals of Feng Shui and not to offend Buddha.

For example, you should not place your Buddha statue below your eye level, you are not looking down on the Buddha!
Also, do not place a Buddha statue too close to electrical equipment so as not to disturb its positive energy.

Buddha statue : personal meaning

If these religious symbols are not important to you. Whether or not the left or right hand is raised or not represents nothing and the life of Buddha does not speak to you more than that, a Buddha statuette can simply become a relaxing sculpture!

A decorative altar to meditate on or the centerpiece of your Zen garden with a lotus flower!
A lucky charm or just miniature exotic figurines on a shelf in the dining room.

A Buddha statue can have whatever meaning you give it!
After all, relaxation, having a Zen mind, isn't that the secret to happiness?
The Master of Zenitude in person - Zen Buddha - would not contradict us!

Want to learn more about the meaning of the Buddha postures ?
Or where and how to place your Buddha statue ?