Buddha
Ratnasambhava is one of the five Dhyani Buddhas in Vajrayana Buddhism. Each
Dhyani Buddha embodies specific qualities and aspects of enlightenment, and
Ratnasambhava is associated with richness, abundance, and the wisdom of
equanimity. The Ratnasambhava Buddha is depicted in a deep golden or yellow
hue, symbolizing the richness of spiritual wealth. The mudra (hand gesture)
commonly associated with Ratnasambhava is the Varada Mudra, where the right
hand is extended downward with the palm facing outward, symbolizing the gesture
of giving and generosity.
The
Ratnasambhava Buddha is seated in the Vajra posture (cross-legged), with jewels
adorning his body and a crown on his head. He may also hold a wish-fulfilling
jewel or a mongoose, a symbol of transforming poisons into wisdom.
Devotees turn
to Ratnasambhava for guidance in cultivating generosity, abundance, and the
wisdom that sees the equality of all beings. The Ratnasambhava Buddha statue
serves as a focal point for meditation and a visual representation of these
qualities, inspiring practitioners on their spiritual journey toward
enlightenment.
Embrace Prosperity and Generosity
This exquisite statue embodies the essence of Ratnasambhava Buddha, a significant figure in Vajrayana Buddhism. Ratnasambhava, meaning "Jewel Born," is one of the Five Dhyani Buddhas, each representing a different aspect of enlightened wisdom. He presides over the southern direction and is associated with the element of earth and the Skandha of feeling. His enlightened activity is wisdom of equality, and he signifies the overcoming of greed and the cultivation of generosity.
A Symbol of Abundance and Enlightenment
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this statue showcases the opulent artistry often found in Nepalese Buddhist traditions. The radiant copper, finished with lustrous gold plating, emanates a divine glow, reflecting the wealth and abundance that Ratnasambhava represents. The intricate crown adorning his head signifies his royal status as a Buddha and his supreme enlightenment. The serene expression on his face conveys profound peace and compassion, inviting contemplation and spiritual reflection.The Iconography of Generosity
Ratnasambhava is often depicted in a seated position, typically in the vajra posture, with his right hand resting on his knee and his left hand holding a wish-fulfilling jewel or a bowl of jewels. This posture, known as the varada mudra (gesture of giving), symbolizes his boundless generosity and his ability to bestow blessings and fulfill desires. The jewel he holds is a powerful symbol of intrinsic worth and the inherent richness of the spiritual path, reminding devotees that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in inner realization.
In Buddhist cosmology, Ratnasambhava plays a crucial role in transforming the defilement of pride and ego into the wisdom of equality. He teaches that all beings possess Buddha-nature and are fundamentally equal, and by overcoming our sense of separation, we can realize this universal interconnectedness. His presence encourages the practice of selfless giving and the understanding that true happiness arises from contributing to the well-being of others. This statue serves as a constant reminder of these profound teachings, inspiring its owner to cultivate generosity, overcome attachment, and strive for spiritual awakening. It is a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist art to convey spiritual truths and bring a sense of sacredness into our living spaces.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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