The Failed (But Inspiring) Experiment - Tibetan Buddhist Emaciated Buddha

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The Failed (But Inspiring) Experiment - Tibetan Buddhist Emaciated Buddha

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Buddha believed that the only way to achieve the complete extinction of mind and body and entry into the state of pure being by undergoing terrible penances such as fasting. Buddha only attained enlightenment after he had abandoned the practice of extreme self-mortification. He discovered the middle way which is a path of neither self-indulgence nor self-mortification. After realizing that self-mortification didn't work he continued his practice toward enlightenment.although these weakened during the fast his sunken state may shock, his body, his spiritual powers became strong. he still conveys the strength — both mental and physical — that more typical representations of the enlightened teacher embody. “Nevertheless, it is not a symbol of death and resurrection but self-empowerment and overcoming of suffering by the human spirit alike.”

A gray schist figure, the “Emaciated Buddha,” is a fine example of the finesse and sophistication of gambhar wood carving, Buddha sat beneath the Bodhi tree, fasting & meditating after having achieved enlightenment. With a torso that reveals his rib cage, bony shoulders, sinewy tendons and the finely corded veins, the sunken eyes, flesh receding to the level of the bone, the taut and wasted musculature, While fasting, his radiant skin became dark. He became very weak and ill.

With the body reduced to a frame of a skeleton, serene & composed Buddha seated cross-legged, back erect, hands folded in the meditation gesture upon the lap – suggests a preternatural calm and steadfast resolve for the ultimate goal of nirvana. Seated on a pedestal whose base features small, carved worshippers gathered around a stupa, With bones and veins so thin and carefully carved they’re nearly indistinguishable from the folds of his long scarf, the seated gray schist Buddha is among the most stirring manifestations of this distinct cultural merger.

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Specifications

	ZEN579
	Gambhar Wood Sculpture from Bodh Gaya
	Height: 30 inch
	Width: 6.5 inch
	Depth: 18 inch
	Weight 11.60 kg

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	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Ascetic's Path: A Testament to Inner Strength

This exquisite sculpture depicts a pivotal moment in the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the future Buddha, during his intense period of asceticism. Before achieving enlightenment, Siddhartha embarked on a rigorous path of self-denial, believing that extreme physical mortification was the key to spiritual liberation. He subsisted on a single grain of rice a day and subjected himself to prolonged periods of meditation and fasting, pushing his body to its absolute limits. The artist has masterfully captured the profound emaciation and suffering Siddhartha endured during this time. Every rib is visible beneath the taut skin, a stark visual representation of his unwavering commitment to his spiritual quest. His face, though gaunt, possesses an inner calm, hinting at the deep contemplation and resolve that fueled his ascetic practices. The gentle smile suggests a profound understanding of the transient nature of the physical body and the ultimate triumph of the spirit. This period, often referred to as the "failed experiment" by Siddhartha himself, was a crucial learning experience. While extreme asceticism did not lead him to enlightenment, it taught him the importance of balance and the Middle Way. He realized that neither excessive indulgence nor extreme self-deprivation could lead to liberation. This realization marked a turning point, leading him to abandon the ascetic path and embrace a more sustainable approach to spiritual practice. The sculpture is carved from Gambhar wood, a material often used in traditional woodworking, lending a natural warmth and organic feel to the piece. Its origin from Bodh Gaya, the site of Buddha's enlightenment, adds a layer of spiritual significance, connecting the artwork to the very place where profound transformation occurred.

A Foundation of Devotion

The intricately carved base of the sculpture depicts scenes of disciples and followers. These figures, rendered in a more conventional style, represent the community that would eventually form around the Buddha. Some are shown offering alms, others in prayer or contemplation, highlighting the devotion and support that sustained Siddhartha during his difficult journey. One figure is seen tending to a small shrine or offering, illustrating the communal aspect of spiritual practice and the act of veneration. These bas-relief carvings provide a visual narrative, grounding the stark image of the ascetic Buddha in the context of human connection and shared spiritual aspirations.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The Emaciated Buddha is a powerful symbol within Buddhism, representing not a failure, but the wisdom gained from immense personal struggle. It reminds practitioners that the path to enlightenment is not always straightforward and that even seemingly negative experiences can lead to profound insights. The starkness of the figure invites viewers to contemplate the nature of suffering, impermanence, and the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity. It serves as an inspiration, encouraging perseverance and a deep understanding of the Middle Way—the path of moderation and balance that leads to true liberation. This sculpture is more than just an object of art; it is a tangible reminder of the Buddha's journey and a source of spiritual reflection for all who encounter it.

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.

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