BUDDHA with WHEEL of DHARMA
This is a miniature sized Buddha with Wheel of Dharma. The mixed metal statue is wonderfully detailed. A Bodhi seed has been placed inside this casting. There is information about the Bodhi seed that can be found later on in this description.
Picture shows back and side views.
Your item will be very similar to the one shown.
This item is of a cast metal material and all the statues are practically the same in construction.
About the STATUE
Buddha is in a meditative pose with closed eyes and is seated with back erect. This sitting position is called the Dhyana Asana; the legs are crossed, the soles of the feet are visible.
The hands of Buddha are in the Gesture of Turning the Wheel of Dharma while in Meditation.
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The right hand stands for turning the Wheel of Dharma.
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The left hand symbolizes meditation.
- The two gestures together symbolize teaching the Dharma while in meditation.
The circular disc behind the head of Buddha "symbolizes the wheel of law which turns twelve times or three revolutions for each of the four noble truths. It is represented with eight spokes indicating the eight fold path of salvation." Short Description of Gods, Goddesses and Ritual Objects of Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal, Handicraft Association of Nepal, Katmandu, Nepal, 9th Edition, pg 13
MEASUREMENTS
approximately 1 1/2" tall
1/2" wide
1/2" thick
About the BODHI SEED
BODHI (Sanskrit, Pali) = Awakened / Enlightened
Picture shows location of Bodhi seed.
This statue has a Bodhi seed sealed into the base and, generally, this seed can be heard rattling around if you pick up the statue and gently shake it a bit. However, some statues don’t rattle, even though they still have the Bodhi seed, so it just depends on the amount of space initially reserved for the placement of this seed.
In general, this seed represents the attainment of enlightenment that Buddha reached while meditating under the Bodhi Tree.
The Bodhi tree is also known as the Fig tree. Bodhi seeds are the fruits of the Ficus religiosa, a kind of fig originally found in South Asia, and now is more common in other locations around the world as well.
The Herder Dictionary has this to say about the fig/bodhi tree.
“The Fig Tree - Revered as a holy tree by many peoples, it often symbolizes fertility and abundance. The Bodhi Tree is the fig tree under which the Buddha became enlightened (from Sanskrit bodhi, enlightenment); in a general sense it is a symbol of knowledge and enlightenment.†The Herder Dictionary of Symbols, Chiron Publications, Wilmette, IL, 1993, pg 75
BEFORE YOUR ITEM ARRIVES
If it helps you to know, before arriving at your home, your item was stored in a chest that has been Blessed by a Buddhist Monk. To read more about this Blessed Chest just click on About This Store and scroll down to "If it helps you to know ...".
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