What you see here, carved in wood is not just any image of a Buddha, but rather a significant occasion in Buddhism. As the legends of Buddha’s life narrate, after seeing the suffering of humanity, Prince Siddhartha Gautama started as an ascetic, but his journey was not an easy one. The devil king Mara interrupted him in his endeavors. After trying unsuccessfully, he challenged Gautama to back up his claims of enlightenment. As an answer to the rebukes and attacks of Mara, the Buddha opened his eyes and gently touched the Earth, calling the omnipresent goddess Earth to be a witness to his enlightenment. With thunder, the Earth appeared and Mara was defeated, making Siddhartha, Buddha.
The statue of Bhumisparsha (earth-touching) Buddha thus carries this cosmic event in its iconography. Seated on a Vishwapadmasana (two-layered lotus seat), Buddha is dressed in a Cheevara (monk’s garment) which is splendidly carved in wood. A stylized aura, combining the flaming aureole and floral halo, surrounds the Buddha, highlighting his celestial aura, with a parasol or Chatra (royal insignia) on top, symbolizing the supreme powers of Buddha.
How to care for Wood Statues?
Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.
It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster.
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