BUDDHA SITTING #symbol of inner peace
Seated on the ground with legs crossed, hands resting in the
lap, torso upright, shoulders balanced, eyes half open in a relaxed gaze, and
with a soft, gentle smile, the image of the Buddha in meditation is the most
universal and easily recognized Buddhist symbol. For many Buddhists the image
represents their deepest aspirations, values and potential. For others it
signifies the profound hope and support they find in Buddhism. The image of the
seated Buddha conveys calm and peace, which may be why Buddhists and
non-Buddhists alike often have the image in their home or garden.
Statues of the Buddha are much more than lumps of clay,
stone, or wood. Some of the core ideals
of Buddhism are taught through the symbolism found in the meditating Buddha. The statues can be a work of art in which an
artist conveys human emotions and states of mind that may awaken meaningful
inner states for those who view it. Because we have no idea what the Buddha
actually looked like, the statues and paintings of him are all idealized
portrayals that thereby express the ideals of the artist or, more often, the
Buddhist tradition of the artist. Not all Buddhists view the Buddha image in
the same way. By changing some of the details in the image, different Buddhist
traditions have conveyed different symbolic teachings.
A wonderful mutuality exists between our posture and our
inner psychological life. A balanced, aligned posture for meditation helps
bring forth the mental qualities that are strengthened along the Buddhist path.
With the growth of these qualities, it becomes easier to sit upright. Whether
we meditate in a chair or cross-legged on the floor, approximating the posture
of the Buddha images invites the best of human qualities to arise.
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