The Enlightened One- Buddha in the Bhumisparsha or earth-touching posture is one of the most sublime yet powerful images produced in Buddhist art. It captures the episode of Buddha calling upon the goddess Earth- Vasundhara to bear witness to his achievement of true wisdom as an answer to the innumerable provocations by Mara- the demon who represents lust and worldly desires. Just by pressing the earth gently with his right hand, Buddha defeated Mara and his accomplices and proved to the world that there is no weapon more potent than Ahimsa (non-violence).
Modelled in Brass, the Buddha sits in meditation, not a frown on his face, embodying the beauty of pure wisdom. When Mara approached Buddha, he was moments away from attaining Enlightenment. The demon along with his three daughters, who represent thirst, discontent, and desire, and his army, was hell-bent on disrupting the Buddha’s efforts. From hurling insults to doubting and questioning the Buddha’s status and enlightenment, Mara tried all the tricks he had. However, the great Shakya-Simha (lion of the Shakya clan) displayed an unflinching calmness in the face of Mara’s vile manoeuvres. At last, when the Buddha saw that Mara was not going to stop until he got a reply, he evoked the help of the mother earth, who is witness to the His greatness, not only in his birth as Siddhartha but in all his previous births. Goddess Vasundhara appeared, attested to the enlightened wisdom that the Buddha possessed, and left Mara brooding over his defeat.
Peacefully seated, with one hand touching the earth, while the other one is in his lap- usually, in the gesture of meditating (though in this brass work, the hand on the lap carries a begging bowl, one of the attributes of Buddhist monks), his hair set in pleasing curls, a protuberance in the middle of his head, and an urn in between his eyes which though almost-closed, carry a magnetism that enchants the looker, beautiful nose and lips- such images of the Buddha are also known as Mara- Vijaya or victory over Mara. An angelic charm on the Buddha’s face and the use of golden against the pitch black-toned brass have made this idol a true masterpiece, one that will give you the firmness required to walk the path of the Buddha.
How to keep a Brass statue well-maintained?
Brass statues are known and appreciated for their exquisite beauty and luster. The brilliant bright gold appearance of Brass makes it appropriate for casting aesthetic statues and sculptures. Brass is a metal alloy composed mainly of copper and zinc. This chemical composition makes brass a highly durable and corrosion-resistant material. Due to these properties, Brass statues and sculptures can be kept both indoors as well as outdoors. They also last for many decades without losing all their natural shine.
Brass statues can withstand even harsh weather conditions very well due to their corrosion-resistance properties. However, maintaining the luster and natural beauty of brass statues is essential if you want to prolong their life and appearance.
In case you have a colored brass statue, you may apply mustard oil using a soft brush or clean cloth on the brass portion while for the colored portion of the statue, you may use coconut oil with a cotton cloth.
Brass idols of Hindu Gods and Goddesses are especially known for their intricate and detailed work of art. Nepalese sculptures are famous for small brass idols portraying Buddhist deities. These sculptures are beautified with gold gilding and inlay of precious or semi-precious stones. Religious brass statues can be kept at home altars. You can keep a decorative brass statue in your garden or roof to embellish the area and fill it with divinity.
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