By Amy Underdown, London, UK

Siddhartha Gautama, who came to be known as the Buddha or the Enlightened One, taught his beliefs and spread his knowledge over a span of 45 years. Nearly 2500 years later, Buddhism remains one of the largest religions in the world. It is perhaps no wonder, then, that the Buddha is depicted in many various ways across art and sculpture. The perfect way to create a positive space for meditation in the home.

Here we discuss the meaning behind the dharmachakra mudra or Teaching Buddha. 

Buddha’s teachings are known as “dharma.” Buddhism teaches that wisdom, kindness, patience, generosity and compassion are important virtues.

All Buddhists live by five moral precepts, which prohibit:

• Killing living things
• Taking what is not given
• Sexual misconduct
• Lying
• Using drugs or alcohol

Along with these moral precepts there are also ‘The Four Noble Truths’, which Buddha taught:

• The truth of suffering (dukkha)
• The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya)
• The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha)
• The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga)

Collectively, these principles explain why humans hurt and how to overcome suffering.

The Teaching Buddha depicts this moment, when the Buddha delivered his first sermon following his enlightenment. The instance that the Four Noble Truths were communicated for the first time.

The right hand position (mudra) of the Buddha symbolises the spinning wheel of dharma, with the left hand joining to create an infinite symbol of prayer.

This type of Buddha statue is perfect for anyone wishing to focus on their spirituality and learn more about Buddhism.