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Buddhists/Kneeling Buddha

Expert: John Willemsens aka Advayavadananda - 11/4/2008

Question

HI
I'm a Hindu by religion but believe in the benefits Buddha can bring to my life. I don't pray to the Buddha, but have several statues in my house (representing various forms)and I have just begun to read about Feng Shui for my house and presonal upliftment.

I would appreciated if you could send me information about the meaning of the various types of Buddha statues.

I just acquired a kneeling Buddha that's has a candle holder in its hands. I would like to know the significance of this form of Buddha (kneeling upright: a picture is attached. Only, mine is much smaller and is not made of stone) and where to place it in my house, preferably the kitchen.

Thank you very much.

Answer
Hello Natasha,

Please note that for many centuries there were no statues of the Buddha.

For many the statue simply represents your very own buddha nature.

In (iconoclastic) Zen they say that the statues must be made of wood so that you can build a fire with them when it gets cold!

But there is a lot of interesting information on the Internet about the different statues in use today. Just google 'buddha mudras'.

I don't think that the (Thai?) figure in the picture is a buddha.

You might also have a look at Kwan-yin figurines for your kitchen.

Kwan-yin symbolizes (the Buddha's) compassion.

There is a nice Kwan-yin sutra.

Kind regards,
Advayavadananda.