Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Guru Padmasambhava Idol Seated on Pedestal

$470

Step into the mystical presence of Guru Padmasambhava, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism often known as the "Second Buddha." Clad in the hues of ancient wisdom, Guru Padmasambhava is a symbol of enlightenment and a key figure in the propagation of Buddhism in Tibet.


Amidst the swirling mists of the Himalayas, Guru Padmasambhava holds a vajra and a skull cup, embodying the transformative powers of wisdom and compassion. His legendary journey from India to Tibet is woven with tales of subduing malevolent forces and establishing the foundations of Buddhism in the mystical land of the snow.


In the hearts of practitioners, Guru Padmasambhava remains a luminous guide, invoked for wisdom and protection. His teachings, known as the "Guru Rinpoche Mantra," echo through the ages, a melodious chant resonating with the essence of enlightenment. Within the tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism, Guru Padmasambhava's presence endures as an eternal flame, illuminating the path to spiritual awakening.

Specifications
MIV994
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 9 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1.40 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 15 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted with 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Guru Rinpoche: The Precious Master

Behold the radiant presence of Guru Padmasambhava, a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, also revered as Guru Rinpoche, "The Precious One." This magnificent statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, captures the profound wisdom and compassionate power of this influential master. The idol is rendered in copper, richly gilded with gold, a testament to the deep reverence held for him. Every detail, from the serene expression on his face to the symbolic implements he holds, reflects the essence of his teachings.

A Lotus-Born Miracle

Padmasambhava's origins are shrouded in mystical accounts. Unlike mortal births, it's said that he miraculously appeared from a lotus blossom floating on Lake Dhanakosha in the kingdom of Oddiyana. He is considered an emanation of both Amitabha Buddha and Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, embodying their combined wisdom and boundless compassion. Legend has it that the King of Oddiyana, childless at the time, adopted Padmasambhava as his heir, recognizing his extraordinary nature.

The Bringer of Dharma to Tibet

Padmasambhava's greatest legacy lies in his role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet during the 8th century. Invited by King Trisong Detsen, he faced numerous challenges, including overcoming resistant local deities and spirits. Through his yogic powers and profound understanding of tantric practices, he subdued these forces, transforming them into protectors of the Dharma. He famously established the Samye Monastery, Tibet's first Buddhist monastery, and ordained the first seven Tibetan monks. The Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism, the oldest of the four major schools, traces its lineage directly back to Padmasambhava.

Symbolism Embodied

Observe the details of this divine representation. He is seated in the meditative lotus position upon an ornately designed pedestal. In his left hand, he holds a skull cup filled with nectar, a symbol of transformation and the union of wisdom and compassion. In his right hand, he makes the gesture of wrathful compassion, holding a vajra, representative of the indestructible nature of enlightenment. Resting in the crook of his left arm is the Khatvanga, a trident-like staff adorned with skulls and ribbons, representing his consorts, past, present, and future. His elaborate headgear signifies his mastery of tantric practices and the wisdom he embodies. This statue is not merely a beautiful object; it is a powerful reminder of Guru Rinpoche's teachings and his enduring presence as a protector and guide. Measuring 9.0 inches in height, 6.0 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in depth, it would be an ideal addition to a meditation space, shrine, or any place where you seek inspiration and connection with the sacred. Its golden gleam and detailed artistry will undoubtedly be a source of peace and beauty for years to come.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.
Image
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.
Image
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.
Image

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy