| Buddha statues illustrate 'Buddharupas' which | | | | A popular standing Buddha holds a rice bowl patra on |
| represent the teachings of the Buddha. The path of | | | | one hand and the other hand is raised with a palm |
| enlightenment to achieve Nirvana is the ultimate goal of | | | | facing outside in front of his chest giving blessings. |
| Buddhism. Buddha is the one who has learned from | | | | Examples are Avalokiteshvara, Dipankar Buddha, |
| the truth of nature and got enlightened. Buddha is | | | | Dancing Tara, Hayvajra, Heruka, Vajrayogini, Megha |
| simply a human who has undergone a thoughtful | | | | Samvara, Vajravarahi, Vajrapani, Vajrakilla, Ekjata, |
| spiritual alteration. | | | | Chakrasamvara, etc. |
| A Buddha statue itself is the symbol of sacred learning, | | | | The reclining Buddha symbolizes the passing away |
| that are represented in almost every portion of the | | | | and Nirvana. |
| figure. Unknown to many each physical element of the | | | | Here are few of the main hand gestures or mudra the |
| Buddha rupa symbolizes the Buddha's teaching. | | | | sitting or standing postures may have |
| Different positions of Buddha statues and their | | | | 1. Meditation Mudra - Amitabha - Here, one of the |
| meanings. | | | | palms is placed on top of another with both palms |
| There are various Buddha rupas in different positions; | | | | facing upward. |
| mainly in sitting, standing and in a reclining position. | | | | 2. Protection Mudra - Ratna Sambhava - Right hand is |
| A popular Buddha statue in a sitting position on a lotus | | | | raised with palm facing out |
| flower is the Buddha in a meditating form called | | | | 3. Teaching Mudra - Vairochana - Both hands raised in |
| Dhyana mudra. In this position Buddha is seen to have | | | | front of chest with palms facing out. |
| crossed legs along with different kinds of hand | | | | 4. Enlightened Mudra - Shakyamuni - The enlightened |
| gestures.The Dhyana mudra represents the state of | | | | one Right hand down with a finger touching the earth |
| meditating or practice of viapassana meditation which | | | | representing the earth as a witness to his |
| is the ultimate path to achieving enlightenment called | | | | enlightenment. |
| "Nirvana". | | | | 5. Blessing Mudra - Amoghasiddhi - Right hand laid |
| Different kinds of Buddhas in a sitting position are | | | | down with palm facing out |
| Shakyamuni Buddha, Dhyani Buddhas ( Amitabha, | | | | There are literally hundreds of other mudras and |
| Amoghsiddhi, Akshobhya, Vairochana, Ratna | | | | different kinds of Buddha statues. Click on the link |
| Sambhava), Vajrasattva, Green Tara, White Tara, | | | | below to have more free information on mudras and |
| Manjushri, Kharcheri, Kubera, Padmasambava, | | | | Buddha statues. |
| Vajradhara, Vasundhara, etc. | | | | |