yong's buddhism
culture museum
The Statue of Milarepa, Approximately 600 Years Old
This statue depicts the great Milarepa at the moment of his passing. With his right hand raised to his ear, he is shown singing a spiritual song. Sitting in a relaxed posture atop a mythical creature, his left leg is folded horizontally while his right knee is bent, exuding an air of detachment and serenity. The figure is vivid and lifelike, an extraordinary and rare masterpiece of sculpture.
Milarepa (1040–1123) was the second patriarch of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism and a renowned wandering poet of Tibet. His life story is legendary. It is said that he lost his father at the age of seven, and his family’s wealth was seized by his uncle. To seek revenge, he dedicated himself to studying black magic. Later, feeling deep remorse for his actions, he sought refuge under the great translator Marpa and began studying the Dharma.
Milarepa then retreated into the mountains for intensive meditation and ascetic practice. After achieving realization, he traveled and taught through songs, advocating silent meditation and rigorous practice.
Standing posture of avalokiteshvara
Late Qing Dynasty
The depiction of Avalokiteshvara (Guanyin) features a standing posture with both feet firmly planted. The left hand extends downward near the hip, forming the Varada Mudra (gesture of granting wishes), while a lotus stalk gracefully winds upward from the elbow to the left shoulder, where the lotus flower blooms. The right hand is held at chest level in the Vitarka Mudra (gesture of teaching).
The figure is adorned with a three-leafed crown, and flowing ribbons naturally drape down both sides of the body, creating a highly decorative and elegant appearance. The entire sculpture exudes a refined and graceful form, with a slender and dynamic posture. The craftsmanship is meticulous, the casting exquisite, and the piece is imbued with a strong sense of rhythm and beauty. Both the stylistic features and the intricate details of the design are characteristic of ancient Nepalese art.
An important hallmark of Avalokiteshvara statues is the presence of a small Buddha figure atop the head. According to the Amitāyurdhyāna Sūtra (The Buddha Speaks of the Visualization of Infinite Life Sutra), Avalokiteshvara is described as "wearing a heavenly crown, with a Buddha figure standing atop it." This Buddha is believed to represent Amitābha, symbolizing Avalokiteshvara's connection with Amitābha Buddha.
As per Buddhist scriptures, Avalokiteshvara and Amitābha share a deep karmic bond as teacher and disciple, or even as parent and child in past lives. The Buddha figure atop Avalokiteshvara's crown is viewed as a constant reminder of his teacher, Amitābha Buddha, and a symbol of reverence and devotion.
"Acala" (meaning "Immovable")
The word Acala (meaning "Immovable") symbolizes a heart of great compassion and an unwavering original vow.
Acala is considered the wrathful manifestation of Vairocana Buddha (also known as Mahavairocana, the cosmic Buddha, who is the reward body of Shakyamuni Buddha). It is said that Acala subdued the god Maheshvara (also known as Shiva), who believed himself to be the ruler of the three thousand worlds.
Acala's vow is:"Those who see my form will give rise to the Bodhi mind (enlightened intention). Those who hear my name will abandon evil and practice good. Those who hear my teachings will gain great wisdom. Those who understand my heart will achieve Buddhahood in this very life."
In esoteric Buddhism, Wisdom King statues are often depicted with multiple faces and arms, but Acala is primarily shown with one face and two arms. His body is dark blue, symbolizing his immovable nature. In his right hand, he holds the Three-Pronged Vajra Sword, which cuts through obstacles and ignorance, and in his left hand, he holds the Vajra Rope (lasso), which binds evil and afflictions. His face has a fierce expression: the right eye looks upward, and the left eye looks downward. His body is surrounded by flames, symbolizing purification and transformation.
