4” Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

Shakyamuni - The Lion of the Shakyas

Shakyamuni is the Buddha of our time. He is the glorious root teacher of all the 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 located in the Himalayan foothills of what is now southern Nepal. He left luxurious palace life behind him, however, in pursuit of the truth of the origin of suffering and the cessation of fear. His astounding courage, determination, wisdom and compassion led to his perfect enlightenment despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles. His teachings have transformed individuals and 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 the Bhumispara 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 symbolized  by 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 begging bowl of an ordained Buddhist monk. The bowl contains three precious nectars indicating that he has 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 Buddha's full enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.