This excellent padmasana image of Lord Buddha, the founder of the Buddhism and one of the few great universal teachers the history has ever seen, represents the great master absorbed in meditation. Its base consists of a conventionalised lotus pedestal cast in an oval shape. The icon renders Lord Buddha seated cross-legged with both of his feet turned upwards, which gives him the appearance of a semi-sprouted lotus, a conventionalised posture which in Indian iconography is traditionally known as padmasana.
Dhyani Buddha, or Buddha in meditation, represents one of the most significant phases of his life when descending deep within him he discovered 'the light' and was the Enlightened One. When quite young, Gautam, the prince of Kapilavastu, renounced the world, retired to forest and engaged himself in penance such as recluses had been performing those days. His fame as a muni soon spread in the region around. As he belonged to the clan of Sakyas, he was popularly called the Sakyamuni. This, however, did not satisfy him, as it did not lead him to the truth, which he was seeking. He, hence, went to a number of the known teachers, Kalapa Arada, Ramputra Rudraka and others, one after the other, in quest of truth and learnt from them what they had to teach and resorted to further penance as they guided him to perform. But, the young Sakyamuni soon realised that what they taught was not that which he was looking for. He hence sought their leave and bidding them farewell moved ahead in his search for the truth. When travelling along the bank of river Nairanjana, he came around the village Uruvila. Reaching the site, he felt that something from within compelled him to stop wandering and seek the truth within him. He decided to stay there, meditate and search within him instead of wandering outside. The determined Sakyamuni sat down in the padmasana posture under a Banyan tree meditating upon truth. He remained seated there for long six years and got up only after he was Enlightened.
This metal cast represents the tradition as well as the innovation. Buddha's images came in prevalence around the first century A.D., that is, some five to six hundred years after his birth. Obviously, they did not record his real likeness but innovated rather a personality model that corresponded to his ideals and principles. This gave birth to iconographic prescriptions and standards of modeling. The subsequent art traditions continued to follow by and large this same iconographic cult. Hence, as regards his various postures, likeness and broad features there prevails an amazing continuity, but, at the same time, various schools, from the early Gandhara to late Pala, added to his images their own characteristics also. Thus, the entire tradition comprises largely of innovations. This image borrows its basic model from this same early tradition, but in its costume it is close to Nalanda, in facial features to Sarnath, in coiffure to Mathura and in over-all grandeur to Tibetan images. Serenity and the divine composure, enshrining his face, aptly define the Buddha in his divine bearings.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of ancient Indian literature. Dr Daljeet is the chief curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the National Museum of India, New Delhi. They have both collaborated on numerous books on Indian art and culture.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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