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7" Vajrasattva Copper Gilded Figurine from Nepal

$585.75
$781
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Vajrasattva is a significant figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, particularly in Tibetan Buddhism. Representing the embodiment of purity, Vajrasattva is associated with the purification of negative karma and the realization of ultimate reality. The name "Vajrasattva" can be translated to "Diamond Being" or "Adamantine Being," emphasizing the purity and indestructible nature of this enlightened being. Vajrasattva is often depicted in white, symbolizing immaculate purity.


Practitioners often turn to Vajrasattva as a deity of purification, reciting mantras, and engaging in rituals to cleanse impurities and negative karma. The Vajrasattva practice is considered an essential component of the Vajrayana path, helping individuals purify their minds and attain a state of spiritual clarity. The Hundred Syllable Mantra of Vajrasattva, known as the Vajrasattva mantra, is recited as a powerful tool for purification and transformation. Devotees believe that through sincere practice and devotion to Vajrasattva, they can purify past misdeeds and attain a state of inner purity on their journey toward enlightenment.

Specifications
MIU158
Copper Gilded with Gold
Height: 7 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 3 inch
Weight 1 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symbol of Purity and Enlightenment

This exquisite copper gilded figurine from Nepal embodies the profound spiritual essence of Vajrasattva, a principal figure in Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Vajrasattva is revered as the embodiment of primordial Buddha nature, the source of all purity, and the dispeller of all negativities and obscurations. His form is often depicted as serene and youthful, representing the unblemished wisdom and compassion that arise from a purified mind. In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrasattva is particularly significant as the deity associated with the practice of purification through mantra recitation and meditation. The legend of Vajrasattva purifying himself through intense practice and meditation highlights his role as a guide for practitioners seeking to overcome their own karmic hindrances and attain enlightenment.

Craftsmanship and Sacred Artistry

Crafted by skilled artisans in Nepal, a land steeped in centuries of Buddhist artistic tradition, this figurine is a testament to their dedication and devotion. The base material of copper, a metal often associated with spiritual conductivity and the refinement of the mind, is meticulously worked to bring forth the serene countenance and graceful posture of Vajrasattva. The application of gold gilding imbues the deity with a celestial radiance, symbolizing ultimate purity and enlightened awareness. The intricate details of the ornamentation, from the elaborate crown adorned with precious jewels to the flowing garments, are rendered with remarkable precision. Each element of the sculpture, from the gentle curve of the lips to the placement of the hands, is imbued with symbolic meaning, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection.

The Vajra and Bell: Symbols of Unity

In his iconic posture, Vajrasattva often holds a vajra in his right hand and a bell in his left. The vajra, a diamond-like scepter, represents skillful means and unwavering wisdom, the indestructible nature of enlightenment that can cut through ignorance. The bell, conversely, symbolizes wisdom itself, the realization of emptiness and the joy of liberation. When rung together, they represent the inseparability of method and wisdom, the ultimate union that leads to Buddhahood. This figurine captures this profound symbolism, inviting the practitioner to meditate on these core tenets of Buddhist philosophy. The posture itself, seated in the lotus or vajra position, signifies stability, grace, and the meditative state.

A Sacred Presence for Devotion and Meditation

This 7-inch figurine serves as a powerful focal point for personal devotion, meditation, and spiritual practice. Its presence in a home or meditation space can inspire mindfulness, encourage the practice of purification, and foster a deeper connection to the Buddhist path. The serene expression of Vajrasattva is designed to evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, guiding the observer towards inner stillness and clarity. It is more than just a decorative object; it is a tangible representation of the aspiration for spiritual growth and the potential for awakening that resides within each individual. Each glance at this sacred representation can serve as a reminder to cultivate purity of thought, word, and deed.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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