{A Buddha statue can be used as both a decorative accent and an aid in meditation.. Buddha statues are symbols of Buddhism’s founder Siddhartha Gautama who taught us that by eliminating all desires from our lives we are able to reach Nirvana. When the state of nirvana is achieved all suffering ends. Achieving a state of nirvana ends the cycle of death and rebirth. the Buddhist religion stresses mental discipline and the ability to follow the eight fold path as the key to achieving Nirvana.

Buddha statues come in a variety of poses and styles from the elegant style of the Buddha statues from Nepal and Tibet  to the jolly happy Buddha. Meditation, dispelling fear, teaching pose, reclining Buddha, and earth touching pose are just a few of the most common Buddha statue poses. Quite frequently the Buddha is seen sitting on a lotus flower symbolizing purity and divine birth. One Buddhist quote suggests

The statue is often referred to as the Lotus Buddha or meditation Buddha statue as Buddha in this position resembles a lotus flower. The statues are commonly placed on a base that resembles the stem of a lotus flower. In addition to the lotus symbol of purity it was also the symbolic vehicle that brought the Buddha up to Nirvana and is therefore significant in this way as well. curling from the muck and mud the lotus flower springs forth with beautiful blossoms. This is to remind us of the Buddha’s humble beginningsbefore he went on to achieve Nirvana.

In the Lotus Buddha statue the position of the hands or mudra position the fingers of the right hand atop of those of the left. While the hands rested gently in the lap, the legs are folded in a crossed position. The left foot should be placed on the right with the ball and heel foot exposed and the right foot is placed on the left leg in the the same position. This position is is a pose for meditation and relaxation and is known the lotus position.

The lotus flower is rich with symbolic meaning in Buddhism. It is a symbol of Bodhi, a state of perfected spirituality and complete mental purity, the pacification of our base nature.  Portrayed in Buddhist art it usually has eight petals which symbolize the eightfold path of the Good Law. White and pink lotus flowers are most closely associated with Buddha. When the lotus is seen in varying shades of color this generally has a specific meaning. a red Lotus may refer to love, compassion, or passion. The blue Lotus is a symbol of wisdom, intelligence and knowledge.

Should you find yourself at a Chinese restaurant any time soon, take a look around for a Buddha statue. Look at his hands and posture. It’s quite likely you’ll see him in the lotus position.}