Types of Buddhas: what is the meaning of each and how to activate them in your home
A quintessential symbol of positive energy or Sheng Qi is the image of the Buddha. What does it mean? In all its versions, so many times seen, it radiates encouraging messages: abundance, harmony, serenity, health, prosperity. In his various representations, slim or bulky, sitting on his legs meditatively, holding various objects or performing mudras with his hands, there is something that remains unperturbed: the feeling of infinite fullness.
The word Buddha comes from Sanskrit and means “enlightened”, “someone who is awake” in the sense of having “awakened to reality”. It can be used both to refer to the original Buddha (6th and 5th century BC) or to a title or an epithet, which is given to those who achieve true wisdom.
The representations of the Buddha
The symbol of the Buddha in its different iconographies is a powerful activator, but not an object of devotion itself. He is treated with respect by giving him a strategic and careful place to attract Sheng Qi. Pictures, sculptures, small figures, reliefs can be used. In general, we can find two types of aesthetics. One is faithful to the idea of the ascetic of great inner strength, and the other corresponds to the voluptuous image of Budai or Hotei, a Chinese monk identified as a manifestation of Maitreya (the future Buddha).
The ascetic
According to the sacred texts, at the beginning of Buddhism, during the “Theravada” period, the image of the Buddha was prohibited, unrepresentable, and devoid of form. Instead, symbols were used that alluded to their presence. However, towards the year 150, a. of C. with the Kushana dynasty, the intention of spreading the principles of the Mahayana doctrine (“great vehicle of preaching”) brought about the representation of the Buddha as a human being, endowed with “signs” that indicated the attributes of an Enlightened One. To this day, we can see this beautiful and spiritual representation where each detail takes on a meaning:
* Hair in a bow tie (Vshnisha), symbol of meditation or spiritual life.
* Flame, circle or mole, sculpted or painted between the eyebrows, refers to the illumination (Urn).
* half-closed eyelids that evoke the purity of the petals of the lotus flower and the capacity for spiritual concentration.
* Serene smile proper to the inner balance of a being free from circumstances.
* Elongated earlobes signify wisdom, nobility, and listening skills.
* Folds in the neck as a symbol of happiness.
* Monastic mantle crossed on the left shoulder, represents austerity.
* Cingulum or monastic cord, a metaphor for the link with the Buddhist community.
* Bare feet, a sign of austerity.
The Buddha can also appear standing, lying, or sitting. Within each pose, there are variants and different positions of the hands. Each version has a special meaning (courage, wisdom, compassion, etc.) that should be known before choosing the location and intention to have the presence of the figure. There are also different types of thrones, some shaped like rocks, mountains, animals. Knowing all these good meanings is important so that the use of the Buddha. His presence in the environment must activate in us the great virtues that every human being latently contains.
The six smiling Buddhas
One version that has become popular is that of the Six Smiling Buddhas: a group of different Maitreiya figures who are used to reaffirm certain aspirations in life, such as health, longevity, harmony, the abundance of prosperity, love, etc. The meaning of each of them is as follows:
The Buddha of happiness
This representation of Maitreya sitting and relaxed, smiling, and holding an emperor’s hat or sphere with one of his hands, helps channel efforts towards personal growth in different areas of life. It transmits confidence in the capacity we have to overcome obstacles with joy and serenity.
Location: Southwest of the living room.
The Buddha for Finance
In this version, Budai holds a gold ingot with both hands, in an attitude of receiving but also of giving. Which marks a generous opening towards the energy of money. It helps to activate wealth and to have wisdom for finances.
Location: Northeast of the living room accompanied by a healthy plant with rounded leaves.
The Buddha of Health
This Buddha is holding a Wu Lu or gourd and a tight-fitting bag in his left hand. In this bag collect bad energy to alleviate any illness. The Wu Lu was used to make a hollow container where Taoist healers used to carry their medicines, or even water and other substances that helped revitalize the body of travelers on their long walks. This Buddha activates physical and spiritual health.
Location: East of the living room accompanied by a healthy plant with rounded leaves.
The Buddha of Compassion
He has a bag on his back and a fan in his hand. This smiling smile Buddha grant wishes with his fan. The fan has its origin in the dispositions of the emperor who granted the requests of the people using this object. In the bag he carries treasures to offer to those who need his help. This representation activates spirituality, invites to share and extend a hand to others.
Location: Southeast of the living room with a candle.
The Buddha of Success
With a gold pearl in each of his hands, raised above the head, this image radiates the feeling of victory and vitality. Activate will power and the desire for self-improvement. It is ideal for students, people who yearn to excel in their professions.
Location: Southwest of the living room, benefactors area.
The Buddha for fertility
He is surrounded by children. It is said that having a fertility Buddha can fulfill the desires of having a child and help his healthy upbringing.
Location: West of the living room, children’s area.
Different Buddhist symbol jewelry
You can find jewelry items available in the market reflecting the Buddhist symbols. These jewelry items contain Metta Prayer, Heart Sutra, and many other symbols. Visit it for Nano Jewelry buddha gifts
Conclusion:
So, if you want Buddha to come into your life, you can try the above-mentioned techniques. I hope you will like these for sure.
