The world’s Buddhas: serene statues embody tranquility and spiritual enlightenment. These magnificent sculptures, found in diverse cultures and landscapes, inspire peace and contemplation. Each statue represents the profound teachings of Buddhism, offering a glimpse into the serene presence of the enlightened one.
The world’s Buddhas: serene statues
Where to find Asia’s most impressive Buddhas
Asia
The world’s Buddhas: serene statues This month is also Buddha’s birthday, so what better way to honor him than by finding some of the most intriguing statues of the revered figure scattered throughout Asia? You might be surprised at the variance. Some are so large that even if you tried, you couldn’t miss them. Some are more well-known for their intricate carvings and enigmatic beginnings. But one thing is certain: wherever you go in the area, a Buddha statue will be there, waiting for you with a serene face, an open palm, or a belly laugh.
1. Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong SAR
Without the renowned version from Hong Kong, no list would be complete. Nestled amid the wooded hills of Lantau Island, the 34-meter-tall Tian Tan Buddha, sometimes referred to as the Big Buddha locally, rests serenely atop an open lotus blossom. Interestingly, builders completed this remarkable statue in 1993, just over 30 years ago. Additionally, its serene presence and majestic size make it a must-see for visitors to the region. Moreover, the statue’s relatively recent construction adds a modern twist to its ancient inspiration.
Additionally, you can take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to admire it from a distance. Moreover, for a more intimate experience, ascend the 268 stairs to get a closer look at its hands and toes. While there, stroll along the contemplative Wisdom Path, visit the serene Po Lin Monastery, and explore the neighboring Ngong Ping Village.
2. Leshan Giant Buddha, Leshan, Chinese Mainland
The world’s largest stone Buddha, Maitreya, stands etched into a red sandstone cliffside in the UNESCO-listed Leshan Scenic Area, approximately two hours south of Chengdu. Standing 71 meters tall, or sixteen double-decker buses stacked on top of one another, it has two seats on each pinky toenail. Created in 713 AD by a monk named Hai Tong,
this amazing statue served to defend passing ships and calm raging rivers below, a feat modern engineers would scarcely recognize. By taking a boat excursion or ascending the steep, narrow road that around the statue, you can view it from several perspectives.
3. Buddha head in tree roots, Ayutthaya, Thailand
There is a bodhi tree with an odd feature at the Unesco-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park. This is the 14th-century capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom, located about 80 km north of Bangkok. The Buddha head is entangled in the roots of the tree. Though there are a few ideas, its origins are still unknown. During an invasion in the 1700s, Burmese invaders allegedly beheaded Buddhist statues and left the heads in the debris. Others claim that over ages, the roots grew around the face of Wat Phra Mahathat, the most significant temple in the compound, and that it broke off from it.
4. Reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in, Sasaguri, Japan
Situated in the verdant Nanzo-in temple complex, east of Fukuoka, this elegant bronze statue, covered in verdigris, rests on its side, symbolizing the Buddha’s ascension into Nirvana. One of the biggest reclining Buddhas in the world, the massive monument is 40 meters long. The Buddhist Congress of Myanmar gave the temple the ashes of Buddhasri and two of his pupils in exchange for the temple supplying medical supplies to children in Nepal and Myanmar during the 1990s construction of the building. A monument that’s worth seeing, it receives over a million tourists a year.
5. Laughing Buddha, My Tho, Vietnam
The Vinh Trang Pagoda, located roughly 90 minutes’ drive southwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is a sight to behold. It features three shimmering white Buddhas, expansive, well-kept gardens, and imposing façades. Moreover, the three Buddhas each have unique symbolic meanings: one stands, signifying kindness and serenity;
one reclines, signifying the Buddha’s attainment of Nirvana; and one sits and laughs, signifying good fortune. Additionally, you’re not alone if this cheerful statue makes you smile. It depicts Budai, a quirky nomad believed to be the embodiment of the “Buddha of the Future.” Furthermore, he reportedly brought joy to everyone he encountered by carrying a backpack full of goodies for kids.
6. Great statue of Maitreya Buddha, Seoul, South Korea
Visit the serene Bongeunsa Temple, which dates back to the Silla Dynasty in 794 AD, to discover a different side of glamorous Gangnam. The Great Statue of Maitreya Buddha is located here, towering over the city. With one hand raised in a sign of peace and protection, this 23-meter-tall standing Buddha is the tallest stone statue in the country and a picture of tranquility. Discover more about Korean Buddhist culture while on a tour to the temple grounds by staying overnight and participating in practical activities including tea ceremonies, monastic meals, and meditation.
7. Hussain Sagaar Buddha Statue, Hyderabad, India
At that time, NT Rama Rao, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, wanted to build a monument modeled after Hyderabad’s Statue of Liberty. His concept? A massive eighteen-meter-tall granite Buddha perched on a beautifully carved pedestal in the middle of Hussain Sagar Lake. Additionally, this ambitious project aimed to blend cultural heritage with modern aspirations, creating a landmark that would symbolize peace and enlightenment. Furthermore, the statue’s central location makes it a prominent feature and a must-visit attraction in Hyderabad. Savor the illumination of the statue during a 15-minute boat ride at sunset or from the shoreline of Lumbini Park, where a neon light show is taking place.
8. Gal Vihara, Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka
Head northeast of Colombo to the 12th-century city of Polonnaruwa, where four Buddha statues carved from a massive granite boulder await your visit. Known as Gal Vihara, which translates to “rock monastery,” the statues display the Buddha in various positions. Moreover, these positions—sitting, standing, and reclining—symbolize different stages of his life’s journey, adding a rich historical and spiritual context to the visit. Because of the delicate details in
the facial expressions, flowing robes, and spiritual motifs, they’re also a superb example of old Sinhalese sculpture and craftsmanship.
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