Hand Carved 7" Guru Milarepa Oxidized Copper Alloy Statue

Guru Milarepa Statue

 MILAREPA – BUDDHIST MASTER OF TIBET

Milarepa is believed to be the most beloved and highly accomplished Buddhist master of Tibet. His songs on enlightened experiences are still sung today by the learned and lay people alike. Milarepa during his early career committed many evil deeds through black magic, and sending hailstorms too. He later regretted his evil deeds and eventually found his worthy and enlightened Marpa, who put him on trials and hardships in other to test his guru devotion and eagerness to practice dharma teachings. He later conferred on him the series of empowerments and essential teachings of Maha Mudra which he received from Naropa. Milarepa meditated on these tantric teachings with great zeal in wild and forlorn mountains for 6 years and eventually achieved the realization of Vajradharahood in his very lifetime. Millions of devotees took inspiration from his practice and verification of Buddhist teachings.

GESTURES AND ATTRIBUTES

Milarepa is often depicted as in the illustration shown here, with his right hand raised to his right ear in a listening gesture, symbolling his way of teaching the Buddhist wisdom through songs or poems. Milarepa can be easily recognized by the right hand held up to his right ear. He spent much of his life meditating in mountain caves. In the Indian ascetic tradition, he sits on an animal skin. In his left hand is a skull-cup. The use of bone served as a constant reminder of the temporary nature of human existence. The presence of blue azurite in this figure's hair indicates that it has been used for worship.

ABOUT THIS SCULPTURE

This exquisite sculpture is a captivating portrayal of Guru Milarepa. Expertly sculpted from copper alloy using the ancient lost wax method, the statue has undergone an oxidation process, resulting in a rich and sensuous finish. Milarepa is depicted seated upon deer skin, with his features lovingly carved to perfection. The beautiful oxidation finish gives the sculpture a lifelike quality, enhancing its striking presence.

Individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, by master artisans of the Shakya clan, this sculpture stands as a testament to their exceptional skill and artistry. These craftsmen are considered among the best in the world, inheriting a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for temples and monasteries. Their fine metalworking techniques have been meticulously passed down from generation to generation since ancient times, preserving the legacy of this revered art form.

This sculpture is a testament to the enduring skill and tradition of the Shakya clan, who continue to create masterpieces that inspire and guide practitioners of Tibetan Buddhism.