If you plan to purchase Buddha statues, you may have a lot of questions in mind. No doubt, statues of Lord Buddha add a sense of peace and tranquility to any place. They are also a great way to add to the aesthetic beauty of your house or garden.
If you plan to order the statue from a supplier in a different country or buy one and from another country and take it home with you, there are some guidelines you will have to follow concerning customs.
Buddhist statues, Bodhisattva images, or other related Buddhist artifacts can never be considered just artwork. They represent spirituality and culture.
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Here are some things you might want to consider before investing in a statue for your setting.
1. Size of the Statue
The size of your statue is probably the first thing you may want to consider. You don’t want the statue to be too big for your garden or room. If you plan to place the figure indoors, it may be a good idea to take measurements before placing your order.
The best strategy is to decide on the place or corner first. Then move on to measuring the height, width, and area of the place. You might also consider taking measurements of the door to ensure the statue can be carried in.
If you are planning to place it outdoors in your yard or garden, you may want to ensure you get a statue that’s space-efficient. It may not be sensible to buy a statue that occupies half of the garden space.
2. Style and Type of the Statue
Buddha statues are a prominent piece of décor. They now come in many different styles ranging from sleek, contemporary, and stylish to traditional and intricately carved. The type of statue you pick will look more impactful if it complements your house or garden style.
The style may also vary depending on the purpose. If you invest in the statue for spiritual and meditative purposes, you may prefer a simple statue over a heavily carved one.
3. Authentic or Replicate
Many skilled sculptors have crafted their versions of Buddha. Buying an original statue from a renowned artist will undoubtedly be more expensive than buying a replica. If you are an art enthusiast or collector, you may want to invest in an original. This depends on your taste and preferences when it comes to art.
4. Material Used
The material used is another crucial determinant. The statue may be built using bronze, wood, clay, terracotta, stone, or any other substance. The price and quality of the statue will vary depending on the material used.
Bronze statues last longer and are less prone to damage than wooden statues. Stone statues are also durable and require very little maintenance. Bronze statues need to be cleaned with bronze cleansers to prevent discoloration.
5. Budget
Your budget is one of the first things to have in mind before investing in a statue. Statues are available at different prices. Ensure that the statue you buy makes up for its price in quality, aesthetic value, and durability. You may want to compare prices and take a quotation from different sellers before finalizing one.
The price would also be dependent on the size and material used. A large, intricately carved, the original bronze statue is bound to be expensive. A simple, medium-sized stone statue may be easier on your budget.
What do You need to Know About Buddha Statue Placement?
Buddha statues are generally not placed in bedrooms, bathrooms, or the kitchen because this is considered spiritually offensive. The statue is usually seated at least 2.5 feet from the flood and is placed in a good light.
It is believed that placing the statue facing your front door can channel positive energy to your home. Most Buddha statues have similar expressions and emulate peace and meditation.
Some statues complement each other and are placed together. However, this combination is subject to variations in cultural beliefs of different geographical locations.
What Do Buddha Statues Mean?
Unlike most other fine artwork, these statues have inherent spiritual meanings. The statue showcases different postures or mudras, each of which has a distinct meaning as per Buddhist literature. For instance, the oval on the statue’s head or the “third eye” represents “Urna” or insight and enlightenment. The Urna is an auspicious mark. However, sometimes the statues are just used for décor, and there is nothing culturally offensive about this.
Buddha Statues Are Versatile
Although all sculptures represent the original Buddha, they stand for different things and emulate different messages. For example, “Reclining Buddha” statues with Buddha lying down represent the last moments of his mortal life. Standing Buddha statues represent wisdom, and meditating Buddha statues represent enlightenment.