Padmasambhava,
also known as Guru Rinpoche, holds profound significance in Buddhism,
especially Tibetan Buddhism. Described as the “Second Buddha,” he played a
pivotal role in establishing Buddhism in Tibet. The depiction of Padmasambhava
seated on an ornamented throne carries deep symbolic meaning within Buddhism.
It symbolizes the elevated state of enlightenment, as Padmasambhava, having
mastered the path to awakening, sits above intricate patterns and sacred
symbols. The throne is an auspicious nature of the enlightened mind and the
expanse of wisdom.
In Tibetan
Buddhism, thrones are often adorned with intricate carvings and designs,
reflecting the interconnectedness of all phenomena. The lotus, a common motif,
signifies purity emerging from the mud of samsara, embodying the transformative
journey toward enlightenment. The use of gold and colors on the thrones further
emphasizes its sacred nature, aligning with the reverence accorded to the
teachings of Padmasambhava.
Ultimately,
the ornamented throne beneath Padmasambhava illustrates the inseparability of
wisdom and compassion, offering practitioners a visual focal point for
meditation and contemplation on the profound teachings of Guru Rinpoche within
the rich land of Tibetan Buddhism.
The Great Guru of Oddiyana
This magnificent copper and gold statue depicts Guru Padmasambhava, the "Lotus-Born," a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the second Buddha, he is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century, subduing local deities and establishing monasteries. His presence on a richly ornamented throne signifies his divine status and the immense power he wields. The intricate craftsmanship of this piece, hailing from Nepal, reflects centuries of artistic tradition dedicated to honoring sacred figures.Symbolism and Iconography
Guru Padmasambhava is shown seated in a posture of serene meditation, his hands in the mudra of dispelling fear and bestowing blessings. He holds a vajra (thunderbolt scepter) in his right hand, symbolizing indestructibility and skillful means, and rests his left hand on his lap, signifying the realization of emptiness. The elaborate aureole behind him, adorned with mythical creatures such as serpents and makaras (sea monsters), represents the cosmic forces that he mastered and integrated into the Buddhist path. The central figure above him is often interpreted as a manifestation of Amitabha Buddha, his spiritual father, underscoring his lineage and divine authority. The entire composition speaks of his triumph over ignorance and the establishment of enlightenment.A Legacy of Wisdom and Compassion
Padmasambhava's journey to Tibet is a tale steeped in legend. It is said that he was born from a lotus flower in Lake Dhanakosha in the kingdom of Oddiyana. His arrival in Tibet was foretold, and he played a crucial role in consolidating the practice of Buddhism, establishing the Nyingma school, the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings, hidden as terma (revealed treasures), continue to inspire millions. This statue serves as a tangible link to this profound spiritual legacy, inviting contemplation and devotion. The warm gleam of the gold plating over the copper not only enhances the visual splendor but also imbues the artifact with a sacred aura, making it a centerpiece for any spiritual or artistic collection.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.
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