Our Padmasambhava Rupa sculpture was hand crafted in Patan, Nepal using the traditional lost wax sculpting method. As a result, the statue displays the finest details of Padmasambhava. At the request of the buyer we will finish the statue in 24k gold using the traditional fire gilding method. The cost of gold gilding is included in the listing price. Additionally, the statue price includes face painting with real gold paint using the traditional expression of Padmasambhava.
We can also embed turquoise and red coral stones into the statue’s crown and jewels upon request. Please allow a few extra days to finish the statue before shipping. The gold gilded finish and face painting is subject to final approval of the buyer.
Symbolism of Padmasambhava Rupa
The statue is depicted holding the khatvanga which is leaning against his left shoulder. Additionally, the khatvanga symbolically depicts the impaled three heads representing the 3 bodies (kayas). These 3 kayas are desire, form and formlessness. As a result, this Padmasambhava Rupa sculpture symbolically represents his total liberation from the three kayas. The heads can be painted at the buyer’s request before shipping.
Padmasambhava Rupa is often depicted holding the vajra in his right hand which is resting on his right knee. However, this statue is in Konchog-Chindu form with the vajra held in front of his heart. The word vajra means diamond or thunderbolt in Sanskrit. Indeed, this is the same symbol that the generals carried into battle in ancient India. However, spiritually it symbolizes the indestructibility of the diamond and the unstoppable force of the thunderbolt. It is also the preferred weapon of the Vedic God Indra. As a result, the vajra has become associated with spiritual perseverance and indestructibility.
History of Padmasambhava Rupa Sculpture:
Padmasambhava translates as “lotus born” in Pali. Additionally, the origins of Padmasambhava are mythical but they also have historical significance. The mystical location of his birth was called the “Land of the Dakinis”, also known as Oddiyana. Our sculpture depicts the founder of the first Tibetan Buddhist tradition known as – Nyingma.
In Tibet, Padmasambhava represents the father of Tibetan Buddhism and his followers believe he is the second Buddha who revealed the sacred teachings to sentient life. The first Buddha in our kalpa was the self taught Shakyamuni Buddha who revealed the original Dharma.
