Buddha Statue - Antique Khmer Style Bronze Enlightenment Bayon Buddha Statue - 46cm/18"

Antique Khmer Style Bronze Enlightenment Angkor Wat Buddha Statue - 46cm/18"

Measures (Height) 46cm/18"

A post Angkor Wat Bayon 13th century style seated enlightenment Buddha.

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 flower ushnisha, in the Angkor Wat style, symbolizing 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.

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.

A Mandala decorates the palm of the Buddha's left hand. A symbol of meditation and serenity.

In various spiritual traditions, mandalas can be used to focus the attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation. In the Eastern religions of  Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Shinto it is used as a map representing deities, or especially in the case of Shinto, paradises, kami or actual shrines. 

A mandala generally represents the spiritual journey, starting from outside to the inner core, through layers.

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.

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.

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

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