Hand Made Copper Alloy with Partly Gold Gilded and Face Painted 9" Prajnaparamita Statue

Prajnaparamita Statue

 Prajnaparamita – Mother of all Buddhas

The "Perfection of Wisdom," or Prajnaparamita, is a central idea and figure in Mahayana Buddhism. In addition to being a class of Buddhist texts, Prajnaparamita is also the embodiment of the ultimate wisdom that results in enlightenment.

One possible translation of the phrase "Prajnaparamita" is "Transcendent Wisdom" or "Perfection of Wisdom." It includes a number of Mahayana Buddhist sutras, or discourses, that address the nature of reality, emptiness (shunyata), and the way to enlightenment. These books are seen to be essential to comprehending and practicing Mahayana Buddhism.

The teachings of Prajnaparamita place great emphasis on the idea of emptiness, claiming that all occurrences are devoid of intrinsic, independent existence. According to the teachings, misery results from grasping at a solid, unchanging reality, and real wisdom entails realizing that the self and all phenomena are illusions.

The "Heart Sutra" (Prajnaparamita Hridaya Sutra), a brief yet insightful text that captures the core of the Perfection of Wisdom, is one of the most well-known Prajnaparamita sutras. The Heart Sutra places a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness and emptiness of all phenomena.

Gestures and Attributes

When Prajnaparamita appears in either a male or female form, she is frequently identified by particular symbolic actions and characteristics that capture the deep wisdom she represents. The path to enlightenment and the core teachings of the Perfection of Wisdom are communicated through these symbolic aspects.

When it comes to hand motions, the Dharmachakra Mudra, in which the thumb and index finger come together to form a circle, is frequently used to represent Prajnaparamita. This gesture is a representation of the wheel of dharma rotating or being set in motion, which stands for the wisdom teachings.

Prajnaparamita is often depicted clutching scriptures or sutras, highlighting her status as the embodiment of transcendent wisdom. These texts represent the lessons that lead practitioners to a deep comprehension of enlightenment and emptiness. A ceremonial object known as a vajra, which symbolizes the indestructible nature of reality and the unwavering essence of wisdom, may be held by her in certain portrayals.

Clad with a lavish crown and bodhisattva adornments, Prajnaparamita's jewelry symbolizes her altruistic promise to help all living things. The jewelry, which consists of arm bracelets and necklaces, highlights her dedication to charitable endeavors, while the exquisitely designed crown represents her enlightened status.

Whether she is seated or standing, Prajnaparamita is frequently shown in an elegant meditation pose, signifying the inner peace and concentrated thought linked to wisdom. In addition, she might be shown sitting on a lotus blossom, which would stand for innocence and the capacity to soar above the murky rivers of ignorance. This would symbolize the enlightened mind that is not tarnished by the world's imperfections.

Prajnaparamita may have a third eye, a sign of spiritual insight and intuitive understanding, on her forehead in some portrayals. When taken as a whole, these actions and characteristics form a visual language that calls practitioners to reflect on Prajnaparamita's teachings and begin their journey toward enlightenment.

About this Sculpture

Captivatingly sculpted from copper alloy using the painstaking lost wax method and lavishly embellished with 24-karat gold, this sculpture is a magnificent portrayal of Prajnaparamita. Prajnaparamita is shown in the sculpture sitting in a graceful meditation stance, signifying wisdom-related inner serenity and concentrated thought. She is dressed with exquisitely detailed necklaces, armlets, and anklets that highlight the artisan's accuracy and commitment, as well as a beautifully hand-carved five-pointed crown. She has a beautifully carved Vajra in her raised upper right hand, and she carries a beautifully constructed book in her raised left hand. Its exquisite gold gilding, hand-painted face, and subtle red color touch-ups not only accentuate its beauty but also give it a deep, Buddhist-inspired meaning. This sculpture, which was created by the highly talented hands of the Shakya clan, one of the greatest art groups in the world, in Patan, Nepal, is a testament to the ongoing legacy of centuries-old sacred art. These artisans have preserved and transmitted exquisite metalworking techniques from generation to generation, serving as contemporary heirs to their family heritage and contributing to the production of timeless and revered artwork.