Material: Copper. Gilded. Casting

Size: 9 cm / Medicine Buddha. Tsongkhapa. Ten Aspects of Freedom (Plaque)

Description:

Gilded Buddha statues have important religious, cultural and artistic value in Tibetan Buddhism. Their influence and use are derived from the unique traditions, historical background and religious practice of Tibetan Buddhism. The following is a detailed description of their influence and use:

 **I. The influence and status of gilded Buddha statues in Tibetan Buddhism**

1. **Religious symbols and core of worship**:

- Gilded Buddha statues are usually based on images of Buddha, Bodhisattva, Tara, deity or guardian deity, and are the core objects for Tibetan Buddhists to worship, meditate and practice. These Buddha statues are regarded as the incarnation of Buddha or deities, carrying the sacred blessing power, and can guide believers into the realm of practice.

- Gilding (gold plating on copper or metal) gives Buddha statues a golden appearance, symbolizing the wisdom and infinite merits of the Buddha, enhancing their sacredness and appeal.

2. **Cultural and artistic value**:

- Gilded Buddha statues are representative of Tibetan Buddhist art, integrating the craftsmanship of India, Nepal, Central Asia and Han areas, and showing a high level of sculpture and metal processing skills. These Buddha statues are not only religious objects, but also an important heritage of Tibetan culture.

- The production of gilded Buddha statues is often related to specific sects, temples or historical periods, such as Sakya and Gelug, reflecting the aesthetic and doctrinal characteristics of different sects.

3. **Social and political influence**:

- In the history of Tibetan Buddhism, gilded Buddha statues are often used as precious gifts for worship or gifts, used in religious diplomacy or political alliances. For example, Tibetan Buddhist leaders in the Yuan and Qing dynasties often presented gilded Buddha statues to the emperors of the Central Plains as a token of friendship or religious connection.

- Large gilded Buddha statues (such as the Sakyamuni statue in the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa) became the faith center of the temple or region, attracting pilgrims and promoting religious and economic activities.

**II. The origin of the use of gilded Buddha statues**

1. **Origin and historical background**:

- The production technology of gilded Buddha statues originated from ancient India. With the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet (around the 7th century), it integrated the craft traditions of local and surrounding areas. In particular, the Newar craft of Nepal had a profound influence on the early Tibetan Buddhist gilded Buddha statues.

- The exchanges between the Tang Dynasty and Tubo also promoted the spread of gilding technology. For example, the Buddha statues brought by Princess Wencheng when she entered Tibet are said to contain elements of gilding technology.

- With the revival of Tibetan Buddhism after the 11th century (later period), the production of gilded Buddha statues gradually became the focus of sponsorship by temples and nobles, used for worship, inheritance of teachings and display of wealth.

2. **Production and religious function**:

- **Production process**: Gilded Buddha statues are usually made of copper or bronze as the base material, and are cast by hammering or lost wax casting, and the surface is gilded or gilded (applied with amalgam and heated to make the gold adhere to the surface). The interior of the Buddha statue is often filled with Tibetan scriptures, relics or holy objects to enhance its spirituality.

- **Offering and ritual**: Gilded Buddha statues are placed in the Buddha hall of the temple or the Buddha niche in the home as objects of worship. Believers express their piety through offerings such as flowers, lamps, and incense, as well as circumambulating the Buddha and prostrating.

- **Practice purpose**: In Tantric practice, gilded Buddha statues are used as visualization objects to help practitioners focus on the image of the deity, meditate or chant mantras. For example, gilded statues of Vajrasattva or Avalokitesvara are often used in the practice of purifying karma.

3. **Evolution of usage**:

- **Temple and public occasions**: Large gilded Buddha statues are often placed in the main hall of the temple as the center of collective worship and ceremonies. Small gilded Buddha statues are easy to carry and are used for personal practice or pilgrimage.

- **Private worship**: With the popularity of Tibetan Buddhism, nobles and civilians began to worship gilded Buddha statues at home as a symbol of protecting the family and accumulating merit.

- **Mobility and spread**: Gilded Buddha statues are often used for religious exchanges or trade because of their preciousness and portability. For example, when Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Mongolia and Han areas, gilded Buddha statues spread with it and became a medium for cultural exchange.

**III. The symbolic meaning and modern influence of gilded Buddha statues**

1. **Symbolic meaning**:

- Gold represents purity, wisdom and immortality, so gilded Buddha statues are believed to have a strong blessing power that can purify the environment and the soul.

- Gilded Buddha statues of different images (such as Medicine Buddha and Green Tara) correspond to specific wishes, such as health, longevity or career success, meeting the diverse needs of believers.

2. **Modern influence**:

- In contemporary Tibetan Buddhism, gilded Buddha statues are still important objects for temples and personal practice, and have also become popular items in the collection and art market.

- In the context of globalization, gilded Buddha statues, as one of the symbols of Tibetan Buddhism, have attracted the attention of international believers and researchers, and promoted the spread of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

**Conclusion**

Gilded Buddha statues are not only the center of religious worship in Tibetan Buddhism, but also the carrier of culture, art and history. Its influence stems from its sacred symbolism and exquisite craftsmanship, while its use has evolved from ancient temple worship and personal practice to modern diversified applications, covering religion, art and cultural exchanges. The origin and development of gilded Buddha statues reflect the adaptation and innovation of Tibetan Buddhism in the long river of history.

Gilded three-dimensional small Buddha statue