Bhumisparsha Buddha Idol Seated on Wooden Base with Elaborate Bodhi Tree

This Bhumisparsha Buddha seated on a wooden base with an elaborate Bodhi Tree is a mesmerizing embodiment of spiritual serenity and natural symbolism. This exquisite sculpture captures the moment of the Buddha's enlightenment, with intricate details in the serene facial expression and graceful posture. The wooden base provides a grounding element, while the Bodhi Tree, meticulously crafted, adds ornate symbolism. This masterpiece not only signifies enlightenment but also becomes a harmonious blend of artistic finesse and spiritual depth. The sculpture serves as a visual narrative, inviting viewers into a contemplative space where the Buddha's profound connection with nature and enlightenment unfolds.

The Moment of Enlightenment

Crafted in brass and mounted on a dark, solid wood base, this statue encapsulates a pivotal moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama – the moment he became the Buddha. The figure is seated in the lotus position, embodying the perfect balance of body and mind required for deep meditation. The intricate detailing of his robe, adorned with vibrant colors and patterns, adds to the statue's visual richness. The serene expression on Buddha's face, with eyes gently closed, reflects the inner peace and tranquility he attained. The dimensions of this striking piece are 34.0 x 12.0 x 24.0 inches, making it a substantial and commanding presence in any space. It is more than just a decorative item; it is a symbol of spiritual awakening, a reminder of the potential for enlightenment that resides within us all.

Touching the Earth

The Buddha is depicted in the *Bhumisparsha mudra*, often translated as the "earth-touching gesture". In this powerful pose, the right hand reaches down to touch the earth, while the left hand rests in the lap in a gesture of meditation. This mudra commemorates the moment when Siddhartha, having meditated under the Bodhi tree, was challenged by Mara, the demon of illusion, who sought to prevent him from attaining enlightenment. Mara unleashed his armies of demons, tempting visions, and seductive daughters to break Siddhartha's focus. Undeterred, Siddhartha reached out and touched the earth, calling upon the earth goddess, *Sthavara*, to bear witness to his countless lifetimes of merit. The earth trembled, and Sthavara appeared, validating Siddhartha's right to enlightenment, thus dispelling Mara and his forces. The Bhumisparsha mudra, therefore, represents unwavering resolve, overcoming obstacles, and the ultimate triumph of truth over illusion.

Symbolism of the Bodhi Tree

Emerging gracefully behind the Buddha is the stylized depiction of the Bodhi tree. The Bodhi tree holds profound significance in Buddhism as it was under this very tree, in Bodh Gaya, India, that Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. The tree represents not only the physical location of this transformative event but also the very essence of enlightenment itself – wisdom, awakening, and liberation from suffering. The elaborate design of the tree further adds to the statue's beauty and symbolism, acting as a visual echo of the profound spiritual journey that Buddha undertook and the ultimate wisdom he achieved. The branches, reaching out like welcoming arms, symbolize the interconnectedness of all things and the boundless potential for growth and understanding.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.

2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.

3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.

4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.

How to care for Wood Statues?

Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.