The symbolic meaning of the ‘Lotus Buddha’ or ‘Meditation Buddha’
A Buddha statue is often used as a tool for meditation. Buddha statues are symbols of the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, who taught us that by removing all desires from our lives we can achieve Nirvana. This is a state of existence where suffering does not exist. When one has reached Nirvana, the cycle of rebirth and death ends. The key to achieving that Nirvana is mental discipline and the ability to understand and follow the eightfold path.
Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles, from the most classic Tibetan and Nepalese Buddha statues to the whimsical laughing Buddha, also known as the Happy Buddha. Meditation, dispelling fear, the teaching pose, the reclining Buddha, and the grounding pose are just some of the popular positions for Buddha statues. Quite often the Buddha is seen sitting on a lotus flower that symbolizes purity and divine birth. A Buddhist quote suggests that “the spirit of the best of men is impeccable, like the new Lotus in muddy water that does not adhere to it.”
The statue is often referred to as the Meditation Buddha or a Lotus Buddha, as the Buddha in this position resembles a lotus flower. Statues are commonly placed on a base that resembles the stem of a lotus flower. In addition to the symbol of the purity of the lotus, it was also the symbolic vehicle that delivered the Buddha to Nirvana and therefore also has a meaning in this way. The lotus flower is rooted in mud and mud, but it arises with beautiful flowers.
This is again a symbol of the Buddha’s ascent from his humble roots to reach 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 gently in the lab, the legs are crossed. The left foot is placed on the right with the ball and heel of the foot exposed and the right foot is placed on the left in the same posture. This position is commonly used for meditation and relaxation and is known as the lotus position.
The lotus flower is rich in symbolic meaning in Buddhism. It is a symbol of Bodhi, a state of spiritual perfection and complete mental purity, the pacification of our basic nature. Represented in Buddhist art, it generally has eight petals symbolizing the eightfold path of Good Law. It is the white or pink lotus that is most closely associated with Buddha. When the lotus is seen in different shades of color, this usually has a specific meaning. The red lotus is a symbol of the original nature of the heart, love, compassion and passion. The blue lotus is a symbol of wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.
The next time you come across a Buddha statue, whether in an Asian restaurant or someone’s home, pay particular attention to the position of the Buddha’s hands and his posture. Each position has a special meaning and message and usually tells you something about the owner of the statue.