Statue rituelle du soldes Bouddha Shakyamuni sculptée à la main en or 24 carats de Patan Népal

Shakyamuni - The Lion of the Shakyas

Shakyamuni is the Buddha of our time. He isthe glorious root teacher of allthe diverse lineages that make up Buddhism as we know it. Born Siddhartha Gautama more than 2500 years ago, he was the crown prince of the Shakya kingdom locatedin the Himalayan foothills of what is now southern Nepal.He left luxurious palace life behind him, however, in pursuit of the truth ofthe origin of suffering and the cessation of fear. His astounding courage,determination, wisdom and compassion led to his perfect enlightenment despiteseemingly insurmountable obstacles. His teachings have transformed individualsand nations throughout the world and still speak to us today.

Gestures and Attributes

The Buddha is depicted with his right hand extended to the earth in theBhumisparsha Mudra, the gesture of witness. He is "calling the earth to witness"his supreme victory over the temptations and illusions of the material world as symbolizedby the demon Mara. His left hand lies in his lap with palm upward in the gesture of meditation (Dhyana Mudra). In some representations he also holds the beggingbowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains three precious nectars indicating that hehas conquered the three demons of uncontrolled death, contaminated aggregates, and delusion. Thus, this posture is known as "Buddha Shakyamuni Conquering the Demons"and shows the moment of the Buddhas full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

About this Sculpture

Expertly cast from copper alloy using lost wax method and gilded with 24 karat gold with hand painted face, this sculpture is a profoundly moving representation of Buddha Shakyamuni. He sits majestically upon a single lotus throne, his head slightly bowed, smilingsoftly in sublime meditation. His monastic robes drape beautifully across hisshoulder and arm and are exquisitely detailed throughout the statue.This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.