In
this brass creation, Bhumisparsha Buddha sits in profound stillness, his divine
form draped in serenity. With grace, Lord Buddha (The Awakened One) assumes the
Bhumi Bhumisparsha Mudra, his right hand tenderly caressing the Earth, a silent
dialogue between mortal existence and cosmic wisdom. The alms bowl in his left
hand symbolises simplicity and detachment from worldly desires. Through this
celestial posture, Buddha awakens the Earth itself, transcending ephemeral
concerns and grounding the essence of enlightenment. In the sacred touch of his
hand upon the soil, a testament to the momentous declaration of victory over
ignorance—a timeless connection between the enlightened soul and the very fabric
of existence.
The Earth Witness
This exquisite brass statue captures the serene and unwavering spirit of the Buddha in the Bhumisparsha mudra. This specific gesture, meaning "touching the earth," is deeply symbolic, representing the moment of enlightenment under the Bodhi tree when Siddhartha Gautama called upon the Earth to witness his triumph over temptation and illusion. It is a powerful symbol of steadfastness, unwavering resolve, and the ultimate victory of truth.
The Legend of the Bhumisparsha Mudra
The story of the Bhumisparsha mudra is integral to understanding the significance of this statue. As Siddhartha sat in meditation beneath the Bodhi tree, Mara, the demon of illusion, sought to prevent him from achieving enlightenment. Mara unleashed hordes of demons, tempting visions, and terrifying storms upon Siddhartha. Mara even challenged Siddhartha's right to sit upon the seat of enlightenment. In response, Siddhartha reached down and touched the earth with his right hand. At that moment, the Earth itself roared in affirmation, validating Siddhartha's worthiness and dispelling Mara's illusions. This act of calling upon the Earth as a witness marks the pivotal moment when Siddhartha became the Buddha, the Enlightened One.
Craftsmanship and Design
This meticulously crafted statue embodies the grace and wisdom of the Buddha. Seated in the lotus position on an ornate pedestal, his left hand rests in his lap in the dhyana mudra of meditation, while his right hand reaches down to touch the earth. The intricate details of his robe, the serene expression on his face, and the elaborate design of the base all contribute to the statue's captivating presence. The brass material lends a warm, golden hue, emphasizing the Buddha’s radiant energy. Notice the ushnisha, the cranial protuberance symbolizing his enlightenment, and the elongated earlobes, reminders of his princely past. The delicate curls of his hair and the serene downward gaze of his eyes convey profound peace and tranquility. This is more than just a decorative object; it is a tangible representation of spiritual awakening.
Placement and Inspiration
This statue would be a meaningful addition to any home or meditation space. Its presence serves as a constant reminder of the potential for enlightenment within each of us, and the power of unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. Place it in a prominent location where it can inspire contemplation and inner peace. Its dimensions of 8.5 x 6.3 x 4.5 inches allow it to fit comfortably on a shelf, altar, or desk, bringing the spirit of the Buddha into your daily life. The beautiful design and powerful symbolism of this piece make it a timeless treasure to be cherished for generations.