Tian Tan Buddha, Dharma Jewel of Hong Kong
The Tian Tan Buddha statue is the Dharma jewel of Hong Kong and the protector of mainland China. However, this landmark statue is also a depiction of the founder of Continue Reading →
Buddhist Sculpture Blog
Welcome to the Buddhist Sculpture Blog, where I write about the origins and meaning behind handcrafted Buddhist sculpture made in Patan, Nepal. Each post traces how Buddha and Bodhisattva designs have evolved over 2,500 years, and how Tibetan Buddhism reshaped Buddhist art after its arrival in the 8th century CE. Nepal has served as the workshop for Tibetan monasteries for over a thousand years, and the Tantric roots of that tradition give Nepali statues and thangka paintings their distinctive complexity. Browse the posts below for a closer look at Tibetan Buddhist sculpture, Buddhist philosophy, and the practice behind the pieces.
Jambhala Statues | Buddhist God of Wealth, Meaning & Mantras
Jambhala statues depict the Buddhist God of Wealth — one of the most powerful and universally venerated deities in all of Tibetan Buddhism. Known in Sanskrit as Jambhala (also spelled Continue Reading →
Certified Nepali Statues Provide Quality Assurance
Our certified Nepali statues and handicrafts will include the Department of Archaeology certification and stamp from Kathmandu, Nepal. Indeed, all Nepali statues and ritual items must be certified before they Continue Reading →
Buddha Statue Filling and Consecration
Tibetan Buddhists believe that a Buddha statue is only an empty shell until after it is filled and consecrated by a qualified guru. As a result of the Buddha statue Continue Reading →
Xieng Khuan Buddha Park Vientiane, Laos
Although the Xieng Khuan Buddha Park location is in Laos, the exotic name is actually of Vietnamese origin. The words Xieng Khuan translate to “spirit city” in English and the Continue Reading →
Use Buddhist Mantras for Powerful Meditation
The use of Buddhist mantras is the most beneficial method for mantra meditation practice. Fortunately, these benefits are accessible for everyone, not just the Buddhas. Additionally, devotees can learn to Continue Reading →
Palden Lhamo — Glorious Goddess & Protector of the Dalai Lama Lineage
Palden Lhamo — the Glorious Goddess (dPal ldan lha mo) — is the principal female Dharmapala of Tibetan Buddhism and the sole female among the eight great protector deities of Continue Reading →
Tibetan Buddhism History, Myth and Renaissance
In contrast with the other Buddhist schools that originated in India, Tibetan Buddhism is the new kid on the block. Chronologically speaking, first came Theravada (Hinayana) in the 6th century Continue Reading →
Shakyamuni Buddha Statues | Historical Buddha — Meaning & Symbolism
What is the true meaning behind Shakyamuni Buddha statues? A Shakyamuni statue portrays the real Buddha of our time — the historical sage who rediscovered the Dharma after it had Continue Reading →
Medicine Buddha Statues: Meaning, Symbolism, Mantra & Healing Practice
Medicine Buddha statues depict one of the most beloved and universally venerated deities in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism — a fully enlightened being whose singular purpose is the healing of Continue Reading →