Tara Statues Portray the “Mother of Liberation”
The divine inspiration behind a statue of Tara is a renown Buddhist deity that first appeared in the “Prajnaparamita Sutra”. However, the Tara statue meaning found in the sutra was Continue Reading →
Buddhist Sculpture Blog
Please enjoy reading my blog posts discussing the origination and meaning of handcrafted Buddhist sculpture made in Patan, Nepal. The design concepts are based on the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas that have evolved with Buddhism over the last 2500 years. Tibetan Buddhism has significantly changed Buddhist art since its inception in the 8th century ACE. Indeed, Nepal has been the workshop for Tibetan monasteries for over 1000 years. The designs of Nepali statues and thangka paintings are more complex due to their Tantric roots. Join me for a comprehensive overview of Nepali Buddhist sculpture, Buddhist philosophy and the practice of Buddhism.
Amitabha Statues Meaning and Symbolism
Amitabha Buddha first appeared in the Mahayana Buddhist scriptures in the 1st century ACE. Specifically, the “Larger Sutra of Immeasurable Life” describes Amitabha and the Amitabha Pure Land. However, this Continue Reading →
Manjushri Statues of “Perfected Wisdom”
Perfected wisdom found inside Manjushri statues is sourced from the Prajnaparamita Sutra. This sutra of “Perfected Wisdom” was completed over a time period of seven centuries between 100 BCE and Continue Reading →
Vajrasattva Statues of “Limitless Form”
Vajrasattva statues represent an integral and complex Buddhist deity in both Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. This is because Vajrasattva is the sambhogakaya embodiment of Vajradhara, the primordial Buddha. Vajradhara is Continue Reading →
Avalokiteshvara Statues Portrayed in Various Forms
Compassion is a central component of Buddhism and Avalokiteshvara is synonymous with compassion. Additionally, Avalokiteshvara is known as the “Bodhisattva of Compassion” and embodies the compassion of all the Buddhas. Continue Reading →
What Did Buddha Really Look Like?
The historical Buddha walked the earth long, long ago. Nonetheless, we have a pretty good idea what the Buddha really looked like. In fact, many of the Shakyamuni Buddha statues Continue Reading →
Do Buddhists Worship Buddha Statues?
This is a good question. Indeed, at Buddhist temples Buddhists sometimes appear to worship Buddha statues. However, this is not what the Buddha taught and therefore technically Buddhists are not Continue Reading →
Buddhist Meditation Purifies the Mind
Buddhist meditation consists of two meditation techniques known as samatha and vipassana. The techniques differ and they produce different results. However, they are both valuable tools that will help to Continue Reading →
Buddhist Flag History & Significance
Buddhist festivals prominently display the colors of the Buddhist flag along with Buddha statues and other symbolic items. However, the meaning of the flag goes far beyond the bright colors Continue Reading →
Vesak Day Commemorates the Buddha
Vesak Day commemorates several special occasions in the life and also the past lives of Gautama Buddha. The three primary occasions are the Buddha’s birthday, the day of his enlightenment Continue Reading →