All You Need to Know About Buying and Placing Buddha Statues in Your Home

Most people prefer to keep a Buddha statue in their home as it symbolizes peace, contentment, and satisfaction. However, most people are unaware of the fact that these Buddhist statues are available in different forms with each form having a specific significance. So, if you are contemplating the idea of buying a Buddha statue to enhance the peace and tranquility of your home, you need to first gain a proper understanding of its different forms and their significance as well as the right placement position.  Given below are brief details of some of the most popular forms of Buddha statues to help you choose wisely.

The Blessing Buddha

In this form Buddha is placed in a sitting position with the legs crossed and the right hand raised as if blessing and the left hand resting in his lap. This Buddha statue conveys two different meanings, the first being a sense of protection and the second being that of overcoming fear. The raised hand of the Buddha acts as a shield to keep out all negative energies and dangers which in turn encourages you to feel protected and overcome your fears. The best position for placing this Buddha is near and facing the main entrance of your home to keep it peaceful and safe.

The Reclining Buddha

This is perhaps the most popular Buddha sculpture that people like to place in their homes. The statue presents Buddha in a reclining or sleeping position and is believed to depict the last moments of the mortal life of Gautam Buddha. However, rather than being a symbol of gloom, this statue is believed to promote internal harmony within the house. It also encourages you to seek freedom from the cycle of rebirth. The statue should always be placed facing in the westward direction with Buddha reclining to the right.

The Meditating Buddha

This form shows Buddha in a cross-legged sitting position with both hands resting in his lap and placed on one another. The face of the Buddha is turned upwards and the eyes are closed fully or partially to indicate a state of deep meditation. Given the position and stance of Buddha in this form, this statue is best placed in the pooja room of the house or a place where you like to meditate or pray. You may also choose to light candles or place incense sticks around the statue to create that aura of serenity.  

The Bhumisparsha Buddha

This form of Buddha holds symbolizes the moment of enlightenment of Gautam Buddha. Hence, it is not surprising that this is the most popular of all Buddha statues for sale. The form presents Buddha sitting in the cross-legged position and his left hand resting in his lap with the palm facing upward. The right hand is placed on his left knee with the palm facing down and the fingers extended to touch the ground. Many believe that this statue of Buddha represents eternal knowledge and hence should be placed in a corner of the house facing eastward to see the rising sun.

The Buddha Bust

Even though this is not a traditional Buddha pose and has zero association with Gautam Buddha’s life, the bust is gaining much popularity. Even though the Buddha bust is treated primarily as an art form, many people believe it to be a symbol of Buddha’s knowledge. So even as a contemporary artistic rendition of Buddha, placing the bust in areas like bathrooms, storerooms, and laundry rooms, is generally forbidden. Other than that there are no strict rules about where you can place the bust or in which direction it should be facing.

The Laughing Buddha

Most people seem to be unaware of the fact that the laughing Buddha statues are not a representation of Gautam Buddha. These statues actually represent a Chinese monk, who is believed to be the patron saint of children.  He is quite similar to Santa Claus and is often seen bearing a bag laden with gifts. Even though the laughing buddha is not associated with Gautam Buddha in any way, he is believed to be a beacon of prosperity and positivity. The laughing buddha statues come in various forms and should be placed in the eastern part of the home for getting the best benefits.

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Placing Buddha Statues

Whether you bring small Buddha statues into your home are large one there are some general rules to be followed for placing them in the right manner. The most important of these rules include the following. 

·        The statues should never be placed directly on the ground.

·        The space around the statues should be kept clean and clutter-free.

·        Avoid placing the statues around any electrical mechanical appliances.

·        Place the statue in a position where it can be seen and appreciated.

Final Thoughts

Buddha statues not only represent the physical form of Gautam Buddha but also his teachings and his knowledge, which is why they are so popular.