Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of the faith called Buddhism. He is the figure represented by most of the Buddha figurines throughout the world. The first Buddha pieces were not created until possibly four or five hundred years after the death of Buddha. This was done out of respect for him. Therefore, there is no established form that can be used to accurately depict him. What we do know is that he was an Indian prince who lived from 563 to 483 BC. His philosophy does not believe in a personal God who punishes our wrong doings or reward our good deeds. The road of enlightenment to acquire Nirvana is the most important goal of Buddhism. The founder himself is the one who learned from the truth of nature and was enlightened. You could say that Buddha is simply a human being who has achieved a thoughtful spiritual transformation in life.

In regard to the statues, different Buddha rupas come in different positions. These rupas are mainly in sitting, standing, and in a reclining position. It might be of interest to note that the reclining statue tends to symbolize passing away and achieving the blessed state of Nirvana. In choosing the best Buddha statue for yourself, you will want to consider some important factors. First, you should understand why you want to buy one. It could be that this collectible will help you achieve your own sense of inner peace. It could depend more on your own choice of achieving whatever it is that you do desire. For instance, if you want to experience more joy in your life then the happy Buddha or the laughing Buddha might be a lucky selection. On the other hand, if you simply admire and appreciate Asian artwork this figurine can serve as a central piece in your living room or office.

Once you have determined the “why” of your choice, you ought to consider the face of the Buddha you are considering purchasing. This is often the most important factor to be aware of. The buyer’s axiom in Buddha statues is that the finer the paint on the face the better quality of the statue. In addition, always check the long ears of the figurine. Genuine statues should have very long ears. You can also notice the carving on the body of the statue. There are certain characteristics and/or symbolic features that you will find in nearly every Buddha statue. As an example, if the hands are resting in the lap this represents meditation. However, if the hands are crossing over the chest this indicates the symbol of Dharma or “the state of being.” Lastly, you will want to decide what kind of lucky collectible is best for you. Some choices of style could include Golden Buddha, Antique Buddha, Wooden Buddha, Jade Buddha, Bronze Buddha, and Copper Buddha.

The Buddha statue is often said to bring good luck, wealth, happiness, and prosperity. It is certainly a hallmark piece in the array of Asian collectibles around the world. Its connection to Buddhism is an important factor in your determination of its proper place in your vintage collection. This figurine as a worthy piece of artwork is something to strongly consider before making your selection. Whatever piece you choose should say something about yourself and where your life journey is headed. Enjoy your shopping experience!

Buddhism is the Western term for the teaching of the Buddha or the religion founded by the Buddha. In the East it is known as the Buddha Sasana. ‘Buddha’ is not aname. It is a title, meaning the Enlightened One or the Awakened One. The Buddha’s personal name was Siddhattha1 and his clan name was Gotama.2 Thus he was sometimes called Siddhattha Gotama. Few people, however, now make use of these names. They simply call him the Buddha or Gotama the Buddha.

The Buddha lived twenty five centuries ago in North India. He was born a prince of the Sakyan kingdom which was located at the foot of the Himalaya. His father, who was the king ruling over the Sakyas, was called Suddhodana. The Queen who was the Prince’s mother was called Maya. As a prince, he grew up in the midst of luxury, led the happy life of a privileged youth and married Princess Yasodhara. His beautiful cousin, who bore him a son, Rahula.

This happened for the first time when he took chariot rides in the streets of his father’s capital, Kapilavastu. Then he saw four sights which altered his whole life. The first three of them – a man feeble with old age, another with a grievous disease, and a corpse – filled him with a longing to find some way to help his fellow men and to discover the true meaning of life. The fourth sight, a monk, gave him a hope of the possibility of learning about Truth and finding a way out of suffering. Then, at the age of 29, Prince Siddhattha left his father’s palace, left his dearly loved wife and newborn son, and led the life of a wandering ascetic, devoting himself to finding some way of overcoming suffering.

At the full moon of May, forty five years before the Buddhist Era, while sitting under the Bodhi tree at Gaya, he found his answer and at tained the Enlightenment. The Great Man, now known as the Buddha, went first from Gaya to Sarnath mear Benares where he gave his first sermon in the Deer Park. From then through the remaining 45 years of his life, he wandered from place to place teaching his discoveries to all who would listen to him and organizing his followers who renounced the world to form the Sangha.

Though it is now more than 2500 years since the passing away of the Buddha, the Dharma he taught remains our Teacher as he himself named it. The Sangha which consists of the followers who study, prac tise and disseminate the Dharma, has received this torch of light from the torchbearer himself and carried it on and on to us throughout lands and centuries. The three of them – the Buddha, the founder; the Dharma, the teaching; and the Sangha, the Order of disciples – form the Triple Gem which all Buddhists value the best of all precious things, and the Threefold Refuge which guides them on the Path of the true good life. Each year on the Visakha Full Moon, throughout the world, millions of men and women gather together to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and passing away of this Great Man.

The Birth reminds them of the fact that a man, by training himself through his own effort and intelligence, can achieve supreme attainments even to be a Buddha; the Enlightenment, that only through the discovery of the Buddha did the timeless Dharma become known to the world; and the Passing Away, that though the Buddha as a person was gone, the light of the timeless Dharma will still be kept shining so long as there is a Sangha, a community of righteous followers, to carry on the torch by treading the path of self enlightenment themselves and helping others towards the same goal.