Buddha Statues

In the truest sense of expression, the Buddha Statue is a true symbol of a religious founder, the religion doubtlessly being Budhhism. It is a representation that commemorates and honors the ancient founder of Budhhism, Sidhhartha Gautama. He was a prince who lived in the region of Northern India. His era ranged from 563 B.C. to 483 B.C. In the initial phases of its existence, Budhhism was viewed as a form of atheism, which meant that the followers of this very religion did not believe in the presence or worship of God Almighty. The idea of a personal God who was Ishvara was abandoned. This God according to ancient Budhhism scriptures controlled the eternal fate of living and dead souls. However Sidhharta Gautama was in absolute denial of these ancient theistic beliefs. This action of his was in relation to the challenge that he felt from the idea of bringing the existence of suffering and evil to the presence of a right and pious God.

In addition to being a symbol of a religious founder (who is Sidhharta Gautama), the Buddha statue also represents the importance of the ‘Englightened One’, which is the most essential and fundamental idol in the religion of Budhhism. In other words, this very religion pronounces the philosophy of self-perfection. This philosophy is outlined in the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, which constitutes the central idea of Budhhism. There are a number of scriptures to which the followers of Budhhism adhere to. As far as degree of authenticity is concerned, the Pali Canon is the most authentic and the most authoritative scripture in Budhhism. The Four Noble Truths give the affirmation firstly by stating that life is full of suffering. Having made the first point with the First Noble Truth, the second truth declares that suffering is the result of craving. The Third Noble Truth is once again in support of the previous two truths, stating that suffering would only stop only when the craving stops. Last but not the least, the Fourth Noble Truth points out the path, taking the course of which the essence of the previous three truths could be attained. As natural as it would sound, this path is the Noble Eightfold Path, which consists of the right opinions, right goals, the right way of defining the goals and the right conduct to achieve those goals. Not only that but it also outlines the right degree of effort and the right thought process, which is needed to accomplish the objectives.

Besides having a profound sacred meaning, budhha statues also have an artistic dimension of importance. For instance, in China, where Budhhism has a lot of followers, Chinese budhha statues are quite common, being an integral part of the Chinese cultural and religious heritage. Normally there are ivory budhha statues along with budhha statues, which are sculpted out of wood, which are generally antique in nature. These wood antique budhha statues are considered great architectural monuments. Besides being used for worship in temples and other religious places, budhha statues are also used as decoration pieces, which signify good artistic taste. There are many shops which offer Budhha statues. These Budhha statue stores are a great sense of attraction for tourists who love to collect these budhha statue figures as souvenirs.

All in all, the budhha statues are a classical representation of classical art as well as symbolic of religious devotion. Their commercial value seems to have gained a tremendous degree of attraction amongst the masses from an artistic perspective. As for their religious value, it is not a hidden fact that the followers of Budhhism pay high respect and regard to the Budhha statue figures.