In Hinduism and Buddhism, the lotus (padma) is a symbol of purity, spontaneous generation, and divine birth as well as the flowering of the mind and freedom from the darkness of this world and usually appears only with enlightened beings. It symbolizes the path to enlightenment: it grows from the mud symbolizing samsara) appears on the surface unsoiled symbolizing purification and in the end rises to produce a beautiful flower symbolizing enlightenment. . Lotus petals represent the spokes of the wheel of existence to which all sentient beings are bound until they reach the stage of awakening and enlightenment and can enter Nirvana. The blossom represents purity and the stem symbolizes Buddhist teachings which give rise to purity of mind. The Lalitavistara Sutra states “…the spirit of man can be spotless, like the new lotus in the muddy water which does not adhere to it.” Guanyin and other Bodhisattvas are often shown holding a lotus and standing or seated on a lotus throne signifying their enlightenment. A lotus throne is called a padmapita. It also has auspicious references, depending different lotus parts, that symbolize fertility, the birth of sons, longevity, high rank, wealth, honor and peace. Lotus buds are often used to pick up lids of pottery and wood vessels. The words for lotus in Chinese have the same meanings as to bind or connect (in marriage), one after the other, uninterrupted, to love, and modesty.
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Nanhai Guanyin in her Cave in lalitsana, below draped moss arch holding a scrolls with vial of tears of her humanity and parrot, her constant companion. Small Nanhai images with all these symbols in this condition are very rare.
This charming oil lamp is decorated with auspicious symbols: Fish symbolize harmony, marital happiness and double fish mean “may there be abundance.” The oil cup is a lotus seed with a lotus leaf, symbols of a harmonious and fruitful marriage and also mean “the continuous birth of sons.”
This charming oil lamp is decorated with auspicious symbols: Fish symbolize harmony, marital happiness and double fish mean “may there be abundance.” The oil cup is a lotus seed with a lotus leaf, symbols of a harmonious and fruitful marriage and also mean “the continuous birth of sons,”
The beautiful contemporary bronze Buddha is rendered in Thai Lopburi style in Earth Witnessing (bhumisparsha mudra) wearing a simple two-part Theravada Buddhist monk’s robe that shows his religious devotion. He sits on a highly decorative pierced throne on a three footed curved base. The composition is a double triangle: the three-footed throne itself is a horizontal triangle as it recedes backward in space, and the Buddha and the throne form a vertical triangle. The heavy statue is filled with a cement binder, and it is in excellent condition.
As a protector of the sea Guanyin sits above a fish – represented as an emerging head and tail which symbolizes her power to help sentient beings safely sail through the sea of suffering which divides the mortal world and the Western Paradise to which Pure Land Buddhism devotees are brought upon their death. In this rare 18th century carving, the lotus on the base represents purity and the stem symbolizes Buddhist teachings which give rise to purity of mind.
With a benevolent expression, this rare large Ming Buddha sits on lotus pedestal signifying his purity and enlightenment. Originally placed in a Mahayana Buddhism spiritual setting, this important and brilliantly carved image is calming, inspiring and imparts a feeling of serenity to his surroundings.
This Nanhai Guanyin (Guanyin of the South Sea) sits in her cave on Putuo island in the South China Sea with most of her traditional features. She is portrayed as White Hooded or Clad Guanyin with her hair in a bun covered with a short hood seated in royal ease (lalitsana) with her right hand…
This lovely vintage 20th century Thai bronze statue is the White Clad Guanyin seated in meditation on a multi-tiered throne holding her vial of precious dew. Her open hood is centered by a mandorla surrounding an image of Buddha Amitabha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. This one of a kind piece is a vision of compassionate serenity with her half closed eyes and benevolent smile.
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