Description
Shantarakshita Spiritual Guide Statue: Beacon of Philosophical Wisdom
Emerging from Nepalese artistry, this Shantarakshita spiritual guide statue embodies profound wisdom and serene scholarship. Standing at 25 cm (9.8 inches) tall, this exquisite handcrafted piece features a solid copper body, covered with a triple layer of 24K gold gilding. The deeply engraved carvings create a magnificent 3D effect, radiating a luminous presence perfect for any sacred space. Its gentle expression invites deep contemplation and intellectual reverence, making it a true masterpiece of spiritual art.
Shantarakshita's mudra, often depicted in teaching or meditation, and his serene gaze symbolize his role as a bridge between Indian Buddhist philosophy and Tibetan tradition. He represents the integration of profound wisdom and compassionate action, guiding practitioners toward deeper understanding and liberation. This spiritual guide statue serves as a quiet reminder of the path to enlightenment, encouraging intellectual inquiry and spiritual growth through his enduring teachings. Typically depicted seated in a crossed-legged, meditative posture, his hands may form the Vitaraka Mudra, symbolizing the transmission of wisdom and the teaching of the Dharma. In one hand, he holds a monastic begging bowl, symbolizing renunciation, humility, and the sustenance of the spiritual journey.
Size: 9.8”/25cm (Height) x 7.0”/18cm (Base)
Weight: 2.34 kg
Material: 24K Gold Gilded, Acrylic Paintings, Copper Body
Shantarakshita (8th century CE) was an influential Indian Buddhist philosopher and abbot of Nalanda monastery. He was instrumental in establishing Buddhism in Tibet, invited by King Trisong Detsen. He founded the first Buddhist monastery in Tibet, Samye, and introduced a syncretic form of Buddhism that combined Madhyamaka philosophy with Yogacara and Tantric practices, playing a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of Tibetan Buddhism.