| a statue is often used as a tool for meditation. Buddha | | | | the Buddha's rise from humble roots to achieve |
| statues are symbols of Buddhism's founder Siddhartha | | | | Nirvana. |
| Gautama, who taught us that by eliminating all desires | | | | In the Lotus Buddha statue the hand positions or |
| from our lives we are able to reach Nirvana. This is a | | | | mudra place the fingers of the right hand resting on |
| state of existence where suffering does not exist. | | | | those of the left. While the hands rested gently in the |
| When one has achieved Nirvana the cycle of rebirth | | | | lab the legs are crossed. Left foot is placed on the |
| and death ends. The key to achieving that Nirvana is | | | | right by with the ball and heel of the foot exposed and |
| mental discipline and the ability to comprehend and | | | | right foot is placed on the left in the same posture. This |
| follow the eightfold path. | | | | position is commonly used for meditation and relaxation |
| Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles | | | | and is known as the lotus position. |
| from the more classical Tibetan and Nepali Buddha | | | | The lotus flower is rich with symbolic meaning in |
| statues to the whimsical laughing Buddha also known | | | | Buddhism. It is a symbol of Bodhi, a state of spiritual |
| as the happy Buddha. Meditation, dispelling fear, | | | | perfection and complete mental purity, the pacification |
| teaching pose, reclining Buddha, and earth touching | | | | of our base nature. Portrayed in Buddhist art it |
| pose are just a few of the popular Buddha statue | | | | generally has eight petals which symbolize the eightfold |
| positions. Quite frequently the Buddha is seen sitting on | | | | path of the Good Law. It is the white or pink lotus that |
| a lotus flower symbolizing purity and divine birth. One | | | | is most closely associated with Buddha. When the |
| Buddhist quote suggests, "the spirit of the best of men | | | | lotus is seen in varying shades of color this generally |
| is spotless, like the new Lotus in the muddy water | | | | has a specific meaning. The red lotus is a symbol of |
| which does not adhere to it." | | | | the original nature of the heart love compassion and |
| The statue is often referred to as the meditation | | | | passion. The blue Lotus is a symbol of wisdom, |
| Buddha or a Lotus Buddha as Buddha in this position | | | | intelligence and knowledge. |
| resembles a lotus flower. The statues are commonly | | | | The next time you encounter a Buddha statue |
| placed on a base that resembles the stem of a lotus | | | | whether in an Asian restaurant or in someone's home |
| flower. In addition to the lotus symbol of purity it was | | | | pay careful attention to the position of the Buddha's |
| also the symbolic vehicle that delivered the Buddha up | | | | hands and his posture. Each position has a special |
| to Nirvana and so has significance in this way as well. | | | | meaning and message and usually tells you something |
| The lotus flower has its roots in the muck and mud but | | | | about the statue's owner. |
| arises with beautiful blossoms. This is again symbolic of | | | | |