Buddha Statue - Antique Laos Style Bronze Enlightenment Elephant Buddha Statue - 30cm/12"

Buddha Statue - Antique Laos Style Bronze Enlightenment Elephant Buddha Statue - 30cm/12"

Measures (Height) 30cm/12"

An unusual, lovely Laos style Enlightenment Buddha, seated on an elephant throne. 

The Buddha's hands are in the Bhumisparsa or enlightenment mudra. The Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; his head is topped by a lotus bud ushnisha, in the Laos style. 

While this artwork was religious - priests supervised its execution - its realism is unmistakable.

In Buddhism, the elephant is seen as an earthly manifestation of the qualities embodied by the Buddha himself. Even at his inception, Buddha was linked to the elephant. When his mother became pregnant, she dreamt of a pure, white elephant offering a white lotus from his trunk, circling around her three times and entering her womb with his tusk. She knew immediately upon waking that she had experienced a divine omen. This prophecy helped solidify the symbolism of elephants in Buddhism.

A classic symbol of strength, patience, loyalty and wisdom, the elephant epitomizes the boundless powers of the Buddha. 

The Buddha is seated on a pedestal in the Bhumisparsa or 'Calling the Earth to Witness' mudra. With fingers slightly touching the ground this position represents the subduing of Mara (a demon) who bombarded Buddha with demons, monsters, violent storms and the three seductive daughters. Remaining steadfast the Buddha testified to his meritorious past by pointing to the earth and calling the Earth Goddess, Thorani.

Rising from the ground the Earth Goddess wrings the water from her long black hair. By this action she raises a torrential flood that drowns Mara and his army of demons. This gesture reflects this story symbolizing enlightenment, as well as steadfastness and Buddha's achievement of perfection or nirvana.

This traditional in appearance piece is sure to add serenity to your home, office or sacred space.

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