Buddha Statue - Antique Tibet Style Seated Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 21cm/8"

Buddha Statue - Antique Tibet Style Seated Enlightenment Buddha Statue - 21cm/8"

Measures (Height) 21cm/8"

An antique Tibetan style Buddha seated in the half lotus or Ardha Padmasana postion, with hands held in the Enlightenment mudra.

His hands are in the Bhumisparsa mudra, the gesture of Enlightenment. The Enlightenment Buddha, also known as the Buddha in the moment of enlightenment or the Earth-touching Buddha, is a profound and revered image in Buddhism. This depiction captures a pivotal moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, as he achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The Enlightenment Buddha serves as a powerful symbol of the Buddha's awakening and the universal potential for spiritual realization.

The Buddha's face is serene, with a naturalistic and warm expression; his head is topped by a detailed lotus bud ushnisha, in the Tibetan style. This symbolizes his high level of spiritual development The bodies profile is with broad shoulders and slender waist, covered by a Sanghati robe worn diagonally over the left shoulder. The right shoulder is left bare.

Seated peacefully in simple monastic attire the Buddha features an oval face, with almond shaped downcast eyes. Curved eyebrows meet above a prominent nose, and contoured lips with an exalted expression, appear smiling. His earlobes are stretched long from a youth spent as a prince wearing heavy gold earrings.

The Buddha is seated 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.

The Enlightenment Buddha, with his symbolic gesture of touching the Earth, encapsulates the essence of Buddhism's transformative message. It serves as a timeless reminder of the path to awakening, inner transformation, and liberation from suffering.

Here, Buddha holds his vajra in his left hand.

The Vajra is a legendary and ritualistic weapon, symbolizing the properties of a diamond (indestructibility) and a thunderbolt (irresistible force).

The vajra is a type of club with a ribbed spherical head. The ribs meet in a ball-shaped top. The vajra is the weapon of Indra, the Vedic king of the Devas and Heaven. It is used symbolically by the dharmic traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, often to represent firmness of spirit and spiritual power.

The vajra is considered one of the most powerful weapons in the universe. The use of the vajra as a symbolic and ritual tool is mainly found in Tantric Buddhism. 

The image inspires individuals to cultivate mindfulness, wisdom, and perseverance on their spiritual journey. The Enlightenment Buddha is a beacon of hope, offering the profound message that the path to enlightenment is accessible to all who seek it, transcending the illusions and distractions of the world and touching the profound truth of existence.

Buddha is enthroned upon a lotus leaf base. The lotus flower represents purity, compassion and the giving of great joy to all. The lotus also confirms the attaining of enlightenment and the ultimate fulfilment that follows. This symbol is heavily used in Eastern religions, which is why it can appear as both a held item or a seat. Some say that as the lotus flower grows in dirty water but becomes something beautiful, it demonstrates how we must forget our attachments to the material world around us and focus on our inner spirituality in order to seek happiness.

The casting is beautiful as you can see in the fine details of the fingers and toes.

The patina is particularly delightful and unusual. Each detail is rendered perfectly. The distinctive patina of the piece is particularly attrractive.

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

One of the most recognizable of the Asian deities this representation of the spiritual teacher Buddha is sure to enlighten your home with endlessly timeless style.

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