Meaning of the Lotus Buddha
A Buddha statue can be used as both a decorative accent and an aid in meditation.. They symbolizie Buddhism’s founder,Siddhartha Gautama who taught us that by eliminating all desires from our lives we are able to reach Nirvana. When the state of nirvana is achieved all suffering ends. When one has achieved Nirvana the cycle of rebirth and death ends. The key to achieving that Nirvana is mental discipline and the ability to comprehend and follow the eightfold path.
Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles from the more classical Tibetan and Nepali Buddha statues to the round-bellied Hotei, a Buddhist monk from the 10th century. Meditation, dispelling fear, teaching pose, reclining Buddha, and earth touching pose are just a few of the most common Buddha statue poses. Often the Buddha is seen sitting on a lotus flower to represent the divine birth and purity. One Buddhist quote suggests
The statue is often referred to as the Lotus Buddha or meditation Buddha statue as Buddha in this position resembles a lotus flower. The statues are made with a base that looks like the stem of a lotus flower. In addition to the lotus symbol of purity it was also the symbolic vehicle that delivered the Buddha up to Nirvana and is therefore significant in this way as well. The lotus flower has its roots in the muck and mud but arises with beautiful blossoms. This is again symbolic of the Buddha’s rise from humble roots to achieve Nirvana.
In the Lotus Buddha statue the hand positions or mudra place the fingers of the right hand resting on those of the left. While the hands rest easily in the lap, the legs are crossed. The left foot should be placed on the right with the ball and heel foot facing up and the right foot is placed on the left leg in the same posture. This position is is a pose for relaxation and meditation and is known the lotus position.
The lotus flower is rich with symbolic meaning in Buddhism. It is a symbol of Bodhi, a state of perfected spirituality and complete mental purity, the pacification of our base nature. Portrayed in Buddhist art it generally has eight petals which symbolize the eightfold path of the Good Law. It is the white or pink lotus that is most closely associated with Buddha. however, different colored lotus blooms may have different meanings. a red Lotus may refer to love, compassion, or passion. The blue Lotus is a symbol of wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.
Should you find yourself at a Chinese restaurant any time soon, take a look around for a Buddha statue. Look at his hands and posture. It’s quite likely you’ll see him in the lotus position.
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