Buddha Statues and places to buy buddha statues

Buddhist art is the artistic portrayal of the symbols, concepts which are particularly influenced by Buddhism. These concepts and symbols are depicted through representations of Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and Buddhist deities, historical and later included mythical figures; narrative scenes from the Buddhist sutras; mandalas, thangkas and other graphics; physical objects associated with Buddhist practice such as vajras, bells, stupas and Buddhist temple architecture.

It is recorded that the early representations of the Buddha was depicted through narrative scenery and avoided the use of iconography of Buddha. This was because most of the Buddhist followers believed that the Buddha himself barred to use his own image. So that the people to follow the path of dharma not him. It was also seen that during the period of the Buddha, the practice of artistic representation was not highly developed and even the aniconic representations were practiced later.

Introduction and brief historical development of Buddha statues

Buddha statues are the iconic representation of Buddha. The statues portrays various styles and mudras which have hidden meaning. Actually, it is recorded that the iconic representation of Buddha was started through two different places the region of Gandhara and the region of Mathura. The Gandhara is in present day North West frontier province in Pakistan and the Mathura in central northern India.

Gandhara contributed artistic features in the Buddha statues. These artistic features are mainly wavy hair, drapery covering both shoulders, shoes, and sandals, etc. While Mathura contributed clothes covering the left shoulder of thin muslin, the wheel on the palms, the lotus seat, etc.

As the time passed by the Buddha statues were also changed as per various dynasties. The new version of Buddha statues, pink sandstone sculpture, were seen during the Gupta period. This style of statues were spread to other South Asian countries, central Asia and East Asia. Later the statues in other countries were localized according to their local art and culture.

Iconography of Buddha statues

As the statues were localized, the physical appearance of the Buddha altered according to the local art and culture but the gestures and postures are well maintained from the Buddhist scriptures. That means each and every Buddha statues erected in the world confirms the same postures. The four main postures are sitting, standing, walking, and reclining. The different hand postures used in the Buddha statues are Abhaya Mudra, Bhumisparsha Mudra, Dharmachakra Mudra, Dhyana Mudra, Varada Mudra, Vitarka Mudra, and Namaskara Mudra. All these postures have deep meaning within them.

Along with these, the Buddha statues also have peculiar characteristics- small bump in the head, long earlobes. There is also different theories behind these characteristics.

The Buddha statue is portrayed by with a monastic robe. In Buddha statue, the robe is either shown in the covering mode, draped over both shoulders, or in the open mode, leaving the right shoulder and breast uncovered. The Buddha statue is often draped by real robes. The real robes are changed periodically, usually at main festivals. The Buddha statue is also depicted wearing royal attire which is usually found in Burma.

Places to buy Buddha statues

Apart from the temples, and monasteries, people also places Buddha statues in their homes. Lots of people places these statues in their prayer room while there are people who places the statues in the room other than prayer room. There are lots of reason behind people placing the statues in their home. Some of them are - people finds the statues signifying one's self-belief and inner peace. While other believes placing the statue will eliminate negative energy and fosters positive ones.

Generally, people buys the Buddha statues from the workshops, dealers, curators, etc. In earlier days people need to visit these places. But the people residing in other than Asian countries find hard to buy the statues. But with the innovation of the technology, people can now observe and buy Buddha statues through internet itself. Sometimes, buying from the internet may be challenging as the statue that was bought may be just identical to what was ordered. The statue may be badly handcrafted. So, to avoid these difficulties you need to look for different sources that confirms the true vendor. Buying from the internet comes handy because you will be notified about any Buddha statues for sale and also you can just sit in front of the computer and search the whole online Buddha statue gallery.