Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, is a highly revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, particularly in the Nyingma school. He is considered a founding figure and is venerated as the "Second Buddha." Guru Padmasambhava played a crucial role in bringing Buddhism to Tibet during the 8th century.
Padmasambhava was born in Oddiyana (present-day Swat Valley in Pakistan) and later traveled to Tibet at the invitation of King Trisong Detsen to help establish Buddhism. His teachings, known as the "Vajrayana" or "Tantric Buddhism," became instrumental in shaping Tibetan Buddhism.
Padmasambhava is credited with taming local deities and demons, transforming them into protectors of Buddhism. His profound teachings, known as terma (hidden treasures), were concealed in various locations to be discovered by later Buddhist practitioners.
Devotees turn to Guru Padmasambhava for blessings, protection, and guidance on the spiritual path. His legacy endures through the Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche mantra and the celebration of events like Guru Rinpoche Day in Tibetan Buddhist communities. His teachings continue to be a source of inspiration and guidance for practitioners on the Vajrayana path.
Embodiment of Enlightenment
Gaze upon this exquisite sculpture, a radiant testament to the enduring power of spiritual tradition. Crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this statue captures the serene yet potent presence of Guru Padmasambhava, also known as the Precious Guru. Its impressive 16-inch stature makes it a commanding centerpiece for any sacred space, study, or meditation room, radiating an aura of profound wisdom and tranquility. The intricate details, from the delicate folds of his robes to the serene expression on his face, speak to the master craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans who have honed their skills over centuries, preserving ancient artistic techniques.The Guru of Lotus-Born Wisdom
Guru Padmasambhava, the "Lotus-Born" master, is a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the second Buddha, he is credited with bringing Vajrayana Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Legend tells of his miraculous birth from a lotus flower in the Dhanakosha lake, an event prophesied by the Buddha himself. His arrival in Tibet was instrumental in subduing obstructive forces and establishing Buddhist monasteries, transforming the spiritual landscape of the region. This sculpture, with its commanding posture and symbolic accoutrements, invites contemplation of his legendary journey and his profound teachings on liberation and enlightenment.Symbolism and Devotion
The posture of the statue, seated in a meditative pose, with one hand cradling a ritual begging bowl (patra) containing nectar of immortality, and the other in a gesture of bestowing blessings, signifies his compassionate nature and his ability to guide practitioners towards spiritual realization. The object held aloft in his other hand, a dorje surmounted by a trisula, represents the indestructible nature of enlightenment and the power to overcome obstacles and illusions. Adorned with regal headdress and flowing robes, this representation embodies his enlightened state and his role as a protector against negative forces. The gilded copper, shimmering with the divine light of gold, enhances the sacred aura, making it a powerful object of veneration and a conduit for spiritual connection. This sculpture is more than an object of art; it is an invitation to delve into the profound wisdom and compassionate embrace of Guru Padmasambhava.How are Nepalese copper statues made?
Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique
small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two
thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws
influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and
therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the
icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures
evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some
characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other
pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual
features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and
ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have
tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual
purposes in their temples and monasteries.
Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and
therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they
age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues
is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and
sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment
protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax
method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most
practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process
involves many steps and requires skilled artists.
The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of
the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is
created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills
otherwise fine features will be lacking.
Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special
mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when
left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so
that the wax flows away when it is heated.
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is
obtained.
This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which
is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold
water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed
and the statue within is revealed.
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools.
It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.
Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold
gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A
mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the
statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that
mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold
finish.
The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique
for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details.
Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for
giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes
several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded
copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and
appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong
aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
Upload an Image
