Maitreya Buddha
Benefit Maitreya represents the future state of love emanating from great universal bliss. This is embodied by the Adi Buddha Samantabhadra & gained by using the tools of Vajrayana 'magical' Buddhism & can be realised from the adamantine truth of emptiness embodied by Adi Buddha Vajradhara. The name Maitreya is derived from the Sanskrit word maitri stemming from the old Pali word metta meaning 'loving-kindness' related to Pali word mitta meaning 'friend'. When Maitreya becomes fully realised, he will preside over the Ketumati Pure Land, an earthly paradise. Maitreya is the embodiment of a future state of loving kindness, sympathetic joy, equanimity & compassion which create great bliss & conscious love.
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Iconography Maitreya resides in Tushita heaven accessible through mediation & sits on a throne seat with two snow lions [Skt. Singhasana] in the frieze. Snow lions are the national symbol of Tibet. Tushita is alluded to by the mountainous landscapes swirling cumulous cloudbanks. His wears a green upper garment of Indian royalty from his shoulders, maroon Buddhist trousers with silk brocade, a blue Mantrayana apron and a sash representing the Himalayan Rainbow [Five Pure Lights of the Mahabhuta]. The small stupa shape in his headdress represents the stupa of the Buddha Sakyamuni's relics to help him identify it when his turn comes to lay claim to his succession. The light green khata loose around his waist is a traditional ceremonial scarf symbolizing purity.
He holds both hands in front of his heart in a hand position signifying the turning the wheel of Buddhist teachings [Skt. dharmachakra mudra]. The left hand holds the stem of a blue lotus or 'night lotus'[Skt. Utpala]. The word utpala means to 'burst open'. This supports an auspicious golden wheel [Skt. Chakra] which represents change, universal cycles of existence such as the changing of the hands of a watch, the seasons of the year, the earth & moon revolving around the sun and these three in turn revolving with other planets. All is in flux, forever changing. Each forward Turning of the wheel represents a movement of Buddhist teaching. This is usually called the turning of the Wheel of Dharma. The eight spokes symbolising the noble Eightfold Path of right Thought [mirror], right Insight or View [mustard seed], right Thought, right Action [bilva fruit], right Effort [durva grass], right Livelihood [curds] and right Contemplation [vermilion powder].
The right hand holds another lotus stem supporting a water pot [Skt. Kalasa] which traditionally contains the primeval water carried by the creator Brahma. This water of creation or water of life [don't confuse with the blue nectar of immortality]represents the pure conscious mind and its ability to regenerate and purify the conscious mind. The water pot is one of the eight auspicious symbols [Skt. Astamangalas] where the word asta means eight. The green nimbus around his head represents his cosmic nature. He is surrounded by a blooming 'pink lotus' [Skt. Kamala] and an unopened bud on her left hand. The Pink lotus blossoms represents the present love and the red unopened bud future love & yet to be born Buddhas. The future here also refers to beneficial changes circumstances that will help bring about. Maitreya's elongated earlobes represent patience; his topknot [Skt. Ushnisa] his abandonment of worldly possessions, the dot [Skt.urna] on his brow on the command chakra [Skt.ajna] represents his transcendent wisdom. The thin blue aureole around his body signifies the highest level of understanding.
Commentary
It is up to all sentient beings to turn the wheel Maitreya is a future Buddha, an enlightened person who will appear on Earth, achieve complete enlightenment, and teach the pure dharma which are the principles of Buddhism.
Lapis : Brief Introduction
A stone of protection that may be worn to guard against psychic attacks, Lapis Lazuli quickly releases stress, bringing deep peace. It brings harmony and deep inner self-knowledge. Encourages self-awareness, allows self-expression and reveals inner truth, providing qualities of honesty, compassion and morality to the personality. Stimulates objectivity, clarity and encourages creativity. Lapis Lazuli assists to confront and speak one’s truth and inspires confidence. It bonds relationships, aiding in expression of feelings and emotions.
♥ Inner truth ♥ Inner power ♥ Love ♥ Purification ♥ Intuition ♥ Positive magic ♥ Self-confidence ♥ Manifestation ♥ Friendship
Lapis Lazuli is a combination rock type of Calcite, Lazurite & Pyrite. Lapis Lazuli is a 9th Anniversary gemstone.
Chakras - Throat Chakra, Third Eye Chakra
Birthstone - September
Zodiac - Taurus, Virgo, Libra, Sagittarius
Element - Water
Vibration - Number 3
Typical colours - Deep blue flecked with gold (Pyrite)
Lapis Lazuli boosts the immune system, purifies blood, lowers blood pressure, cooling and soothing areas of inflammation. It alleviates insomnia and vertigo, and overcomes depression. Lapis Lazuli benefits the respiratory and nervous systems and the throat, vocal cords, and thyroid, cleanses organs, bone marrow and thymus.
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Finishing: Stone Setting
The Maitreya Buddha is adorned with an exquisite array of semi-precious stones, including turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli. These stones are carefully selected and meticulously placed on the Maitreya Buddha's surface, adding a touch of opulence and enhancing its overall beauty. Each stone is thoughtfully positioned using a high-quality adhesive, ensuring secure and long-lasting attachment. The vibrant colors and unique patterns of the stones create a captivating contrast against the backdrop of the Maitreya Buddha, elevating its visual appeal and making it truly eye-catching.
Beyond their decorative purpose, these semi-precious stones carry symbolic significance in various cultures and traditions. Turquoise is often associated with protection and healing, coral represents vitality and passion, while lapis lazuli symbolizes wisdom and truth. The inclusion of these stones not only adds to the aesthetic allure of the Maitreya Buddha but also imbues it with deeper meaning and cultural symbolism.
The intricate placement of these semi-precious stones showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into the creation of the Maitreya Buddha. It is a testament to the skill and artistic vision of the artisans who delicately adorn the statue, resulting in a truly remarkable and captivating piece of art.
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About Elector Gold Plating
The Maitreya Buddha has been crafted using the ceramic mold casting process, a modern approach that provides an alternative to traditional methods such as the lost-wax system or rubber molding. Also referred to as ceramic molding, this technique involves the creation of a ceramic mold to cast the statue. The process begins by making a precise and detailed wax model of the desired sculpture. The wax model is then coated with layers of ceramic material, creating a sturdy mold. Once the mold is complete, it is fired in a kiln, causing the wax to melt and escape, leaving behind a cavity that perfectly replicates the original sculpture. Molten metal is then poured into the mold, allowing it to fill the cavity and take on the desired form. Once cooled and solidified, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away, revealing the final metal statue.
The process begins with the thorough cleaning and preparation of the object to be plated. A layer of silver plating is first applied to create a base. Subsequently, the object is submerged in a solution containing gold ions, while an electric current is passed through the solution. The gold ions are attracted to the surface of the object, forming a layer that can be polished to achieve a smooth and radiant finish.
The Full Electro Gold plated finishing offers several advantages, including affordability and high-quality results. In Nepal's handicraft industry, this method of gold plating is gaining popularity due to its ability to produce exquisite and long-lasting handicraft items. Skilled craftsmen employ their expertise to ensure that the gold plating is of the utmost quality, resulting in beautiful and durable Maitreya Buddha products.
By choosing the Full Electro Gold plated finishing, you can enjoy the luxurious and captivating allure of gold, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the Maitreya Buddha product while ensuring its longevity and enduring beauty.
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Ceramic Molding System
The Maitreya Buddha has been crafted using the Ceramic mold casting process, a modern approach that provides an alternative to traditional methods such as the lost-wax system or rubber molding. Also referred to as ceramic molding, this technique involves the creation of a ceramic mold to cast the statue. The process begins by making a precise and detailed wax model of the desired sculpture. The wax model is then coated with layers of ceramic material, creating a sturdy mold. Once the mold is complete, it is fired in a kiln, causing the wax to melt and escape, leaving behind a cavity that perfectly replicates the original sculpture. Molten metal is then poured into the mold, allowing it to fill the cavity and take on the desired form. Once cooled and solidified, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away, revealing the final metal statue.
Contrary to common assumptions, this statue of Maitreya Buddha is not only created through the ceramic mold casting process but is also 100% hand-finished in Nepal. Skilled artisans in Nepal bring their expertise and attention to detail to add the final touches and refine the sculpture by hand. The city of Patan, renowned for its artistic heritage and craftsmanship, takes pride in being the place where this statue is entirely made. This adds a touch of authenticity and cultural significance to the artwork, as it carries the essence of the artistic traditions and craftsmanship of Patan. The combination of the modern ceramic mold casting process, the meticulous hand-finishing in Nepal, and the artistic legacy of Patan ensures that this statue of Maitreya Buddha is a unique and captivating piece of art.
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