Despite the fact that Buddha statues are one of the most representative religious objects of Buddhism, outside the countries where this religion is practiced, many people are unaware of its different meanings. Although, beyond a decorative element, it is a figure that transmits peace, the traditions and styles of art have notably influenced so that we currently have many statues of Buddha, each with a particular symbolism. However, among the different images of Buddha, two large groups stand out, as they are considered the best known:
in the first group we have a slim Buddha, representing the original Buddha or the founder of Buddhism, Siddhārtha Gautama, which due to its diet and lifestyle corresponds to the image that comes from India; while the second group, very popular in China and Southeast Asia, represents Buddha with an obese figure with a smiling face, which, according to the Buddhist expert Barbara O’Brien in her article «The Laughing Buddha», represents Budaia 10th-century Chinese monk who revealed himself to be the incarnation of Maitreya, the Buddha of a future age.
Based on this difference, we can then establish that, beyond representing the creator of Buddhism through a statue, with the representation of its different characteristics among them: poses, hand gestures and clothes, it seeks to symbolize its teachings; the most common statues being those where Buddha is shown with different hand gestures, known as mudras or ritual poses typical of Buddhism and Hinduism, given their common origin. Although there are many, here are the most used in Buddha statues and their respective meaning:
Abhaya mudras: It is represented with the right hand raised to chest height and keeping the palm facing forward, while the left hand points downwards; It means protection, peace and absence of fear.
Bhumis parsha mudra: In this mudra, the left hand rests pointing up, while the right hand points down with the fingers barely touching the ground. It symbolizes the enlightenment of the Buddha under the tree of enlightenment.
Dhyana mudras: In this pose, the back of the right hand rests in the left palm, while the thumbs touch. It represents concentration, meditation and spiritual achievement.
Dharmachakra mudras: In both hands, the thumbs and index fingers are joined, although, at chest height, the right will be slightly above the left. It means universal perfection and vital cycles.
Varada mudras: The left hand rests pointing up while the right hand comes down palm out. It means generosity, compassion and sincerity.
In addition to the different meanings of the statues, it should be noted that Buddha is not a god, nor envoy nor prophet, therefore, he is not revered because he is considered as such, but to show respect for someone who is considered a teacher, since he is a being who, through his efforts, managed to transcend human limitations until he reached a state of enlightenment.