Padmasambhava Statue - Antique Tibetan Style Bronze Seated Padmasambhava Second Buddha Statue - 21cm/8"

Padmasambhava Statue - Antique Tibetan Style Bronze Seated Padmasambhava Second Buddha Statue - 21cm/8"

Measures (Height) 21cm/8"

An antique Tibetan style Padmasambhava or Second Buddha. 

In the annals of Buddhist history, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Padmasambhava—the Lotus-Born Guru. Renowned as the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava is celebrated for his pivotal role in introducing Tantric Buddhism to Tibet and for his profound spiritual teachings that continue to inspire practitioners to this day.

Padmasambhava's life is shrouded in myth and legend, with accounts varying across different Buddhist traditions. According to tradition, he was born in the 8th century CE in the Swat Valley of present-day Pakistan or in the kingdom of Uddiyana in ancient India. From a young age, Padmasambhava displayed extraordinary spiritual abilities and wisdom, earning him the epithet 'Lotus-Born.'

Padmasambhava is credited with introducing Tantric Buddhism, also known as Vajrayana Buddhism, to Tibet. This esoteric form of Buddhism emphasizes the use of ritual, meditation, and mantra recitation to achieve spiritual realization in this lifetime. Padmasambhava's teachings on deity yoga, meditation, and the esoteric practices of the Nyingma tradition laid the foundation for Tibetan Buddhist philosophy and practice.

Padmasambhava's teachings, known as the "Guru Rinpoche's Treasure Teachings" or "Terma," are preserved in numerous texts and scriptures discovered by his disciples and later revealed to the world. These teachings encompass a wide range of subjects, including meditation, deity practice, mantra recitation, and the stages of spiritual awakening. Padmasambhava's profound wisdom and skillful means continue to guide and inspire practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism today.

Padmasambhava is seated on a lotus leaf pedestal. The lotus flower represents 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.

On his left he holds his thunderbolt sceptre, or khatvanga,  symbolizing the clarity of pure Buddhist thought. The sceptre can be removed. In his right hand he holds his vajra, raised in the Abhaya mudra. This is the sceptre of spiritual power, through which wisdom is put into action. In his left hand he holds his skull cup or kapala, that represents detachment. 

Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born Guru, stands as a towering figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism, revered for his profound teachings, miraculous deeds, and transformative impact on the spiritual landscape of Tibet. Through his skillful means and unwavering compassion, Padmasambhava continues to guide and inspire practitioners on the path to enlightenment, embodying the timeless wisdom of the Buddha's teachings.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Padmasambhava, may we draw inspiration from his example and strive to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner peace in our own lives.

A delightful and unusual piece with wonderful aureate and sepia patina. 

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