|
The title buddha means Enlightened One or Awakened One. In Buddhism, the Buddha refers to Sidhartha, Guatama, or Sakyamuni.
Meditation Buddha - both hands resting on the lap, palms upward. Known as Amitabha, he is the most ancient among the five transcendental Buddhas, which guard the five directions (north, east, south, west, and center). Amitabha translates as Boundless Light, or Incomprehensible.
 Protection/Peace Buddha - sitting in The Gesture of Fearlessness (Abhaya Mudra), which is where the right hand slightly elevated, the palm turned outwards; also called The Gesture of Renunciation. Abhaya in Sanskrit means fearlessness; this mudra symbolizes protection, peace, and the dispelling of fear. Buddhists usually place figures of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas on their altars. Bowing and offering incense at these altars expresses the desire to manifest, within ourselves, the great spiritual qualities of the statues.
 Life size heads of Buddha began appearing in Indonesia in the late 12th and early 13th centuries as Buddhism mixed with Hinduism. Buddha was originally a Hindu, and the heads are said to represent the face of Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. The large earlobes are associated with the wealthy class that Buddha was born into. The top knot or ushnisa is a symbol of spiritual wisdom, while the hair curls, half-closed eyes, and smiling mouth represent deep meditation and peace of mind. There is a great sense of inner serenity and power with the achievement of perfection and compassion represented by these heads.
 Kuan Yin - Goddess of Compassion. Symbols characteristically associated with Kuan Yin are a willow branch, with which she sprinkles the divine nectar of life; a precious vase symbolizing the nectar of compassion and wisdom, the hallmarks of a bodhisattva; a dove, presenting fruitfulness; a book or scroll of prayers which she holds in her hand, representing the dharma (teaching) of the Buddha or the sutra (Buddhist text); and a rosary adorning her neck with which call upon the Buddha
LAUGHING BUDDHA - known as Hotei (Japan) and Pu (China) - The Laughing Buddha, also known as the Happy Hotei, expresses the ideals of the good life, such as health, happiness, and spiritual awareness.
Prosperity Buddha - holding a Ru-Yi Pot or Bowl of Plenty up to the universe for receiving abundance
Spiritual Journey Buddha - dressed for the journey in fine robes, with a fan for understanding and a sack to collect insights
Safe Travel Buddha - on a journey with a hemp sack full of protection
Happy Home Buddha - sitting on a large gold nugget representing solid foundation, with a smaller nuggets in his hand to give to others
Love Buddha - sitting in love and compassion
Long Life Buddha - sitting with his fan and enjoying the good life
Many of the symbols for longevity, prosperity, good luck, power, and love are embodied in statues of spiritual figures and animals.
Dragon - deemed the luckiest and most sacred figure in Chinese folklore. It reputedly has absolute power and symbolizes honor, power and all that is right. Dragons enhance fame and career prospects and should be placed near a door ow window to guard your wealth and health. They are also a very powerful protection cure for your home or office.
 Turtle Dragon - symbolizes luck, the turtle long life, and the baby turtle is a symbol of new beginnings. The dragon headed turtle is the symbol of longevity in your home, especially for the head of the house. It is also a powerful symbol of wealth, health, prosperity and protection. Legend has it that the turtle has within its body the secret of heaven and earth and the design of its shell shows the magic square, which is the guide for life.
Fu Dogs - or fu lions, are commonly found near temples, garden entrances and homes for they are considered protectors of buildings and guards against evil spirits. Fu lions are always displayed as a pair and the mail lion has a ball under one of its paws while the female lion has a pup under its paw.
Three-legged frog - believed to be conducive to great wealth, often depicted with a Chinese coin in its mouth and resting atop more coins. In Chinese mythology, it is the frog that lives in the moon. Each of its legs represents the three lunar phases, and a lunar eclipse occurs when the frog swallows the moon. Regarded as a trickster and a magician, the frog also knows the secret of immortality. It is usually placed near cash registers or in a wealth corner. Also placing it inside your front door facing inwards symbolizes money coming in to your home or business.
Coins - wonderful Chinese wealth symbols. You can tuck these just about anywhere to enhance prosperity, abundance, and gratitude.
Elephant - known as a symbol of good luck for strength, power, victory, longevity, love romance, fidelity, dignity, intelligence, wisdom, and all the wishes we carry to our places. The elephant's trunk raised up is a good luck symbol.
Horse - gregarious, eloquent and loyal, the horse attracts many friends, and blossoms in a crowd. Horses are the most useful energizers to activate fame, popularity and recognition in your career and other areas of life. This animal exerts very "yang" energy that signifies success, victory, strength, power, perseverance, speed and elegance.
Cranes - pairs of cranes are used in Japanese weddings in their kimonos and decorations. Cranes mate for life and are devoted to their partners in all seasons. Both male and female work together to build their nest and care for their young. Throughout Asia, the crane is a symbol of peace, happiness and eternal youth.
Crystal Ball - Improve your financial flow and overall prosperity. Create and attract supportive, harmonious relationship. Increase your energy levels, mental clarity and overall health/well being. Create an environment that supports your creativity, productivity, and personal/spiritual growth. Align your energy to attract opportunities that support your higher aspirations and life goals.
|
