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Is the Buddha Asleep: Meaning of the Reclining Buddha
May 26th, 2010 by Dee Marie

Just about every decorator understands when a customer asks for a space that’s relaxed and beautiful, there’s only one route to choose the decor, and that’s East. Think water features, bonzai, graceful flowers, beautiful screens and unusual statues. It is possible to create a touch of the orient in lots of ways, but among the simplest is to add a statue of the Buddha. There are over one hundred known poses and three distinct orientations for these statues, so there is bound to be one which would be perfect for almost any space or room, even when it is an awkward shape or dimensions.

Side tables along with desks all seem to benefit from a seated Buddha, backyards and balconies may be perfect for the standing Buddha, but quite a few areas require an item a lot broader than it is tall. There an excellent decor item is a reclining Buddha.

Most Buddha statues share 32 features said to have been physical characteristics from the original Gautama Buddha who was born around 563 BC. They are also known as the ‘Thirty Two Signs of a Great Man’, and encompass:

•    flat feet

•    a pointed head

•    beautiful gold skin

•    long fingers all the same length

•    long toes all the same length

•    a robe draped over one shoulder

•    long ear lobes

The Buddha was not in favor of idolizations of his own form, and therefore the real question is actually, why are there so many Buddha statues?

It appears this may be yet another thing which may be blamed on  the Greeks, and on one Greek in particular, Alexander the Great. When Alexander  conquered Afghanistan and Northern India, he placed many military and artisans in the regions, therefore the art associated with this region was heavily affected by classical sculpture, and through Greek concepts of Gods and men. Alexander was legendary for taking pleasure in the reproduction of his own visage, understanding the value of paintings and statues as items of propaganda.

This may be why Alexandrian India, with a partly Greek populace as well as ties to Greek tradition, was the earliest region to create Buddha statues. These became exceptionally popular and the concept propogagted with Buddhism itself, however as Islam forbade the representation of the human form and viewed such sculpture as idolatry,  countless historic and exquisite statues of the Buddha in that region have since been destroyed.

Generally there are a few well defined poses for these sculptures which relate to distinct principles or moments in the life of the Buddha.

But the most intriguing is the reclining pose of the Buddha. There are not one but two variations. One portrays the Buddha, resting with his head in his hand. This is the sleeping Buddha, however the other similar pose, where Buddha’s feet are together, symbolizes the day the Buddha entered Nirvana.

Aged 80, the Buddha took a moment to rest and told his followers he was about to enter parinirvana, the condition that happens when the body of someone who has achieved total awakening or enlightenment ultimately dies. He ate his final meal and after that grew to become strongly sick. He asked his followers for any concerns that they had and when there weren’t any he gave all of them his final directions. “All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.” Tradition tells that when his body was set between the sala trees, the plants bloomed, despite the fact that this was not the season.

This is the day commemorated by the reclining Buddha statue.  In Thailand the most common pose shows the Buddha with legs crossed and with his left hand in his lap while the right points to the ground, palm inward in a pose called ‘Calling the Earth to Witness’ and relates to the exact of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Whatever form your room, there is a Buddha statue which will probably fit, providing a sensation of peace and harmony to your world and surroundings.

Is the Buddha Asleep: Meaning of the Reclining Buddha
May 18th, 2010 by Dee Marie

Just about every decorator understands when a customer asks for a space that’s relaxed and beautiful, there’s only one route to choose the decor, and that’s East. Think water features, bonzai, graceful flowers, beautiful screens and unusual statues. It is possible to create a touch of the orient in lots of ways, but among the simplest is to add a statue of the Buddha. There are over one hundred known poses and three distinct orientations for these statues, so there is bound to be one which would be perfect for almost any space or room, even when it is an awkward shape or dimensions.

Side tables along with desks all seem to benefit from a seated Buddha, backyards and balconies may be perfect for the standing Buddha, but quite a few areas require an item a lot broader than it is tall. There an excellent decor item is a reclining Buddha.

Most Buddha statues share 32 features said to have been physical characteristics from the original Gautama Buddha who was born around 563 BC. They are also known as the ‘Thirty Two Signs of a Great Man’, and encompass:

•    flat feet

•    a pointed head

•    beautiful gold skin

•    long fingers all the same length

•    long toes all the same length

•    a robe draped over one shoulder

•    long ear lobes

The Buddha was not in favor of idolizations of his own form, and therefore the real question is actually, why are there so many Buddha statues?

It appears this may be yet another thing which may be blamed on  the Greeks, and on one Greek in particular, Alexander the Great. When Alexander  conquered Afghanistan and Northern India, he placed many military and artisans in the regions, therefore the art associated with this region was heavily affected by classical sculpture, and through Greek concepts of Gods and men. Alexander was legendary for taking pleasure in the reproduction of his own visage, understanding the value of paintings and statues as items of propaganda.

This may be why Alexandrian India, with a partly Greek populace as well as ties to Greek tradition, was the earliest region to create Buddha statues. These became exceptionally popular and the concept propogagted with Buddhism itself, however as Islam forbade the representation of the human form and viewed such sculpture as idolatry,  countless historic and exquisite statues of the Buddha in that region have since been destroyed.

Generally there are a few well defined poses for these sculptures which relate to distinct principles or moments in the life of the Buddha.

But the most intriguing is the reclining pose of the Buddha. There are not one but two variations. One portrays the Buddha, resting with his head in his hand. This is the sleeping Buddha, however the other similar pose, where Buddha’s feet are together, symbolizes the day the Buddha entered Nirvana.

Aged 80, the Buddha took a moment to rest and told his followers he was about to enter parinirvana, the condition that happens when the body of someone who has achieved total awakening or enlightenment ultimately dies. He ate his final meal and after that grew to become strongly sick. He asked his followers for any concerns that they had and when there weren’t any he gave all of them his final directions. “All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.” Tradition tells that when his body was set between the sala trees, the plants bloomed, despite the fact that this was not the season.

This is the day commemorated by the reclining Buddha statue.  In Thailand the most common pose shows the Buddha with legs crossed and with his left hand in his lap while the right points to the ground, palm inward in a pose called ‘Calling the Earth to Witness’ and relates to the exact of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Whatever form your room, there is a Buddha statue which will probably fit, providing a sensation of peace and harmony to your world and surroundings.

The Journey of Buddhism
May 14th, 2010 by Dee Marie

Buddha Head Statues

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.”  Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual quest to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment.    Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, fractured and adapted as the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe.  Today, there are three major sects of Buddhism and several lesser-known denominations of the religion.

Despite their differences, these variations of the Buddhist religion still share core principles. They all accept Buddha as their spiritual teacher.  The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core principles and philosophies of the faith.  All believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that can be achieved.

Around 300 BC, the Theravada, or “Traditions of the Elders” was first established.  This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged it’s followers to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana.  Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist scriptures and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.

This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and migrated to southeast Asia into Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries.  As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the Theravada was altered to incorporate the religious beliefs of the various regions. It is still practiced in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.

Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that champion of belief in universal compassion and altruism.  This is central to their belief in an “Awakened mind.”  Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology.  Mahayana Buddhism itself has splintered into two variants.  Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance and Pure Land Buddhism which teaches that dedication to the Amitabha Buddha is required to reach Nirvana.

Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations.  Also known as “tantric Buddhism,” Vajrayana melds the scriptures and text of both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras.  A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.   

The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism.  While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.

Are you a Buddhist?  Do you meditate or practice Yoga?  If you’re searching for Asian decor to compliment your meditation space, you’ll find hundreds of Buddha statues at Big Buddha Statue.  It’s a one stop online shop for all your Buddha decor needs.

Is the Buddha Asleep: Meaning of the Reclining Buddha
May 4th, 2010 by Dee Marie

Just about every decorator understands when a customer asks for a space that’s relaxed and beautiful, there’s only one route to choose the decor, and that’s East. Think water features, bonzai, graceful flowers, beautiful screens and unusual statues. It is possible to create a touch of the orient in lots of ways, but among the simplest is to add a statue of the Buddha. There are over one hundred known poses and three distinct orientations for these statues, so there is bound to be one which would be perfect for almost any space or room, even when it is an awkward shape or dimensions.

Side tables along with desks all seem to benefit from a seated Buddha, backyards and balconies may be perfect for the standing Buddha, but quite a few areas require an item a lot broader than it is tall. There an excellent decor item is a reclining Buddha.

Most Buddha statues share 32 features said to have been physical characteristics from the original Gautama Buddha who was born around 563 BC. They are also known as the ‘Thirty Two Signs of a Great Man’, and encompass:

•    flat feet

•    a pointed head

•    beautiful gold skin

•    long fingers all the same length

•    long toes all the same length

•    a robe draped over one shoulder

•    long ear lobes

The Buddha was not in favor of idolizations of his own form, and therefore the real question is actually, why are there so many Buddha statues?

It appears this may be yet another thing which may be blamed on  the Greeks, and on one Greek in particular, Alexander the Great. When Alexander  conquered Afghanistan and Northern India, he placed many military and artisans in the regions, therefore the art associated with this region was heavily affected by classical sculpture, and through Greek concepts of Gods and men. Alexander was legendary for taking pleasure in the reproduction of his own visage, understanding the value of paintings and statues as items of propaganda.

This may be why Alexandrian India, with a partly Greek populace as well as ties to Greek tradition, was the earliest region to create Buddha statues. These became exceptionally popular and the concept propogagted with Buddhism itself, however as Islam forbade the representation of the human form and viewed such sculpture as idolatry,  countless historic and exquisite statues of the Buddha in that region have since been destroyed.

Generally there are a few well defined poses for these sculptures which relate to distinct principles or moments in the life of the Buddha.

But the most intriguing is the reclining pose of the Buddha. There are not one but two variations. One portrays the Buddha, resting with his head in his hand. This is the sleeping Buddha, however the other similar pose, where Buddha’s feet are together, symbolizes the day the Buddha entered Nirvana.

Aged 80, the Buddha took a moment to rest and told his followers he was about to enter parinirvana, the condition that happens when the body of someone who has achieved total awakening or enlightenment ultimately dies. He ate his final meal and after that grew to become strongly sick. He asked his followers for any concerns that they had and when there weren’t any he gave all of them his final directions. “All composite things pass away. Strive for your own liberation with diligence.” Tradition tells that when his body was set between the sala trees, the plants bloomed, despite the fact that this was not the season.

This is the day commemorated by the reclining Buddha statue.  In Thailand the most common pose shows the Buddha with legs crossed and with his left hand in his lap while the right points to the ground, palm inward in a pose called ‘Calling the Earth to Witness’ and relates to the exact of the Buddha’s enlightenment.

Whatever form your room, there is a Buddha statue which will probably fit, providing a sensation of peace and harmony to your world and surroundings.

The Journey of Buddhism
Apr 17th, 2010 by Dee Marie

Buddha Head Statues

Buddhism is a religion based on the teachings of Buddha which are referred to as “Dharma” or “the Dharma.”  Buddhist believe they are on a spiritual quest to Nirvana, a state of complete enlightenment.    Like all religions, Buddhism has evolved over time, fractured and adapted as the religion spread to the continent of Asia and around the globe.  Today, there are three major sects of Buddhism and several lesser-known denominations of the religion.

Despite their differences, these variations of the Buddhist religion still share core principles. They all accept Buddha as their spiritual teacher.  The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are core principles and philosophies of the faith.  All believe that Buddhahood is the highest possible state that can be achieved.

Around 300 BC, the Theravada, or “Traditions of the Elders” was first established.  This religion centered around the teachings of Buddha and encouraged it’s followers to teach the mind to eliminate suffering through the use of meditation with the ultimate goal of reaching Nirvana.  Theravada Buddhism established the canon of Buddhist scriptures and the Ten Precepts which govern the lifestyle of Buddhist monks.

This discipline of Buddhism originated in India and migrated to southeast Asia into Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and other Asian countries.  As it was adopted by the indigenous peoples, the Theravada was altered to incorporate the religious beliefs of the various regions. It is still practiced in Sri Lanka, Laos and Cambodia today.

Eastern Buddhism known as Mahayana expands the Pali Canon and includes other religious texts and philosophies that champion of belief in universal compassion and altruism.  This is central to their belief in an “Awakened mind.”  Mahayana Buddhism is most popular in Korea, Japan and China. It incorporates elements of mysticism and cosmology.  Mahayana Buddhism itself has splintered into two variants.  Zen Buddhism, which focuses more on internalization of the spiritual path and self-reliance and Pure Land Buddhism which teaches that dedication to the Amitabha Buddha is required to reach Nirvana.

Vajrayana or Tibetan Buddhism is very similar to Mahayana Buddhism with subtle variations.  Also known as “tantric Buddhism,” Vajrayana melds the scriptures and text of both Mahayana and Theraveda Buddhism along with Buddhist Tantras.  A major difference of Vajrayana Buddhism is that it teaches that Buddhahood can be achieved in a single life time without need for reincarnation.   

The method in which one achieves enlightenment is the most significant difference between the various types of Buddhism.  While all believe in the core principles of meditation and spiritual questing guided by the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, the attainment of Nirvana varies considerably.

Are you a Buddhist?  Do you meditate or practice Yoga?  If you’re searching for Asian decor to compliment your meditation space, you’ll find hundreds of Buddha statues at Big Buddha Statue.  It’s a one stop online shop for all your Buddha decor needs.

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