Five Dhyani Buddha Statues Set | 6″ | Oxidized Copper, Gold Face Painted | Nepal

This 6″ set of Five Dhyani Buddha statues is finished in oxidized copper with selective 24K gold gilding on the face, hands, and ornamental details — producing the distinctive two-tone appearance visible in the photographs: a warm, dark copper body contrasted against brilliant gold. This finish is the traditional antique style widely used in Newar sacred art, where the oxidized surface evokes age and gravitas while the gold highlights draw the eye to the iconographically significant features of each figure. Each statue is individually cast in copper alloy using the traditional lost wax method by Shakya caste artisans in Patan, Nepal. At 6″, this is a versatile altar size — larger than the miniature sets yet more intimate than the fully gilded large-format pieces, and the partly gilded finish offers a visually distinct alternative for collectors who already own a fully gilded Dhyani set.

The Five Dhyani Buddhas — also known as the Pancha Buddhas — emanate from the Primordial Buddha (Adibuddha) and together represent the five core wisdoms of enlightened mind. Each Buddha is associated with a virtue arising from the purification of its corresponding negative emotion, and each represents a specific episode in the life of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. They each have their own element, color, directional orientation, animal mount, and identifying mudra.

Descriptions of the Five Dhyani Buddhas

1. Vairocana — the “Great Illuminator,” Vairocana presides over the central direction and the Dharmadhatu — the pure realm where all phenomena abide in their ultimate true nature. He displays the Dharmachakra mudra (turning the wheel of Dharma) and his wisdom is the all-pervading wisdom of the Dharmakaya. His color is white, representing the pure consciousness of the Primordial Buddha, and meditation on white is said to transmute the poison of ignorance into the wisdom of reality.
2. Ratnasambhava — the “Jewel-Born One,” Ratnasambhava embodies the aggregate of feeling and his element is earth. He displays the Varada mudra (gift-giving) as an expression of his boundless generosity. His color is yellow and he is the Buddha of equanimity. Meditation on yellow is said to transform the poison of pride into the wisdom of sameness.
3. Amitabha — the “Infinite Light,” Amitabha presides over the western pure land of Sukhavati. He displays the Dhyana mudra (meditation) and his wisdom is discriminating awareness. His element is fire and his color is red. Meditation on red is said to transmute the poison of attachment into the wisdom of discernment.
4. Akshobhya — the “Immovable One,” Akshobhya presides over the eastern pure land of Abhirati (“Land of Great Delight”). He is immutable and has mastered complete control over his passions. He displays the Bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching). His color is blue and he embodies the aggregate of form (rupa). Meditation on blue is said to transform anger into the wisdom of equanimity.
5. Amoghasiddhi — the “Infallible Accomplisher,” Amoghasiddhi encourages practitioners to be fearless under the protection of the Dharma — there is nothing to fear in life or death. He displays the Abhaya mudra (protection and fearlessness) and embodies the aggregate of mental formations. His color is green and his consort is Green Tara, the goddess of swift activity and accomplishment. Meditation on green is said to transmute the poison of jealousy into the all-accomplishing wisdom.