Hindu Gods & Buddha Statues Blog

Life of the Buddha – The Light of Asia

stone-garden-buddha-statue — Stone Buddha garden statue wearing painted robes

The Buddha brought the world a philosophy in which to navigate the world of suffering. Here is a brief account of the life he led and the experiences that showed him the middle way to the cessation of suffering and samasara.

Birth

Siddhartha Gautama, known as Buddha, the “Awakened,” was the son of Suddhodana, ruler of the Sakhyas, a region lying to the northeast of Oude, in northern India and now this place is inside the border of the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. It is believed that Queen Maya, wife of the King Suddhodana, had a dream that a shiny light appeared in the sky, gradually approached her, and melted into her body. The queen filled with joy described the dream to her husband and both of them met a wise man to know the meaning of the dream. The wise man’s words made the king very happy as the man explained that the king is going to have an heir to the throne. The prophecy came true and the queen gave birth to a beautiful son in the Lumbini gardens. All the people experienced great happiness and peace of mind. The joyous parents named the cute little Prince “Siddhartha”, which means “the one who has brought about all good.”

The words of hermit Asita

Asita was a Holy teacher and he came to visit the newborn. He saw many good signs in the child and told the king that if the child chooses to stay with the king, then he will be one of the greatest rulers in history, who will rein a large kingdom and keep the people happy. However, if the child chooses to leave the palace, seeking a way to end all suffering of humanity, then he will attain the greatest knowledge and will become the greatest spiritual leader ever.

Childhood

The queen Maya could not stay long with Siddhartha and she asked her sister to take care of the little prince. The Prince grew up to be a handsome and kindhearted young man. He always loved to remain alone in the garden, when other children of his age group were busy with harsh games. He spent his childhood in Kapilavastu and its vicinity, and was very passionate to all the living beings; even the wild animals were friendly with him. Many instances that took place during his childhood describe the passion, love, and kindheartedness of the prince. The prince was very bright and intelligent in studies but never liked to learn how to rule a kingdom.

Marriage

The king was so happy to know about the intelligence of his son, while sad that the prince was very gentle. Therefore, he along with the minister made a plan and found the perfect match for the Prince. Siddhartha was married to Princess Yasodhara at the age of sixteen.

thai buddha — Sukhothai style Thai Buddha statue

Path of renunciation

Prince Siddhartha was happy with his wife and they were blessed with a son, named Rahula. At the age of twenty-nine, the prince wanted to know more about his people and the world outside his palace gardens. He managed to get out of the palace and roam in the streets, with his servant Channa. The sight of a decrepit old man, a sick man, and a corpse changed the life of the prince and turned him to the path of renunciation. These sights made him leave the palace, wealth, power, father, wife, and his only child to find a way to renounce the world of miseries and sorrows.

Enlightenment

The prince reached Magadha, and met the saints Arada and Udraka and learned from them. He was not satisfied with their teachings and moved to Nairangana River, near the holy town of Gaya. He then began to practice yoga, severe austerities, and Pranayama for several years. He finally tried to attain supreme peace by practicing self-mortification. He sat below the sacred Pipal tree or fig tree at Bodhi Gaya, abstained from all temptations, his mind became calm and relaxed, and by midnight, he attained nirvana. He woke up very happily with a calm and peaceful smile, and his face shone with divine splendor and effulgence. He became the Buddha, meaning the Awakened One. He was also known as Sakhya-Muni.

His Teaching or Dharma

Buddha traveled to different villages and farms of Banaras and wanted to spread the knowledge to all people and relieve all from the sufferings of this worldly life. His teachings were so powerful that regardless of the conditions, caste, creed, or types of men and women, people began to listen to his teaching and found that self-realization is the only way to get supreme peace of mind and happiness. Buddha treated all people as one, without any discrimination for the rich or poor, simple or intelligent, of noble birth or low. His first teaching, known as “Turning the Wheel of the Dharma,” given to five monks, who pleaded for knowledge to Buddha in the Deer Park, at Sarnath around 527 BC. He also revealed the four noble truths of life. People were attracted to him and he used different ways of teaching, which included interesting stories that will appease the children.

King Bimbisara was a disciple of Buddha and always visited Vulture’s Peak, where Buddha and his disciples lived. Buddha returned to his kingdom and by his great teaching converted his father, wife, son, and all his dear ones to his disciples.

enlightened buddha statue — The Buddha in the moments after his enlightenment

Final Journey

At the age of eighty, Buddha felt that it is time to return to the palace where he grew up. He summoned his faithful Ananda, and started to Kapilavasthu. On the way, Buddha and his disciples passed through the village of Kushinagar. Buddha told Ananda that this is the place where he shall pass away.

Buddha, “the enlightened one,” traveled preaching the Dharma and was successful in saving many people from sacrificing the lives of innocent animals, as a part of their religious customs. Buddha is the founder of Buddhism and his teaching is known to fill with excessive intellectualism and agnosticism. The great historian Edward Arnold referred to the great legend Buddha as the “Light of Asia.”

25 Quotes from Lord Buddha

For the world, Buddha means “Awakened One” or “the enlightened one.”
He, through his teachings, tried to relieve people from the mental obstructions.
The teachings of this great man are known as The Four Noble Truths or the Noble Eight-fold Path and here are some of the quotes that will inspire you, make you think, and reflect the deeper truth of reality.

Inspirational Buddha Quotes

1. The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.
2. All wrong doing arises because of mind. If mind is transformed can wrong doing remain?
3. Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
4. Embrace nothing:
If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha.
If you meet your father, kill your father.
Only live your life as it is,
Not bound to anything
5. In the end
These things matter most:
How well did you love?
How fully did you live?
How deeply did you let go?
6. Do not dwell in the past; do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
7. However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them?

8. There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.

9. All that we are is the result of what we have thought. If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him. If a man speaks or acts with a pure thought, happiness follows him, like a shadow that never leaves him.
10. Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.
11. Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
12. In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true

Calming Buddha Quotes

1. To understand everything is to forgive everything.
2. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows
3. Hatred does not cease through hatred at any time. Hatred ceases through love. This is an unalterable law.
4. The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows
5. Work out your own salvation. Do not depend on others
6. The following lines are taken from Dhammapada:
Mind is the forerunner of (all evil) states. Mind is chief; mind-made are they. If one speaks or acts with wicked mind, suffering follows one, even as the wheel follows the hoof of the draught-ox.
Mind is the forerunner of (all good) states. Mind is chief; mind-made are they. If one speaks or acts with pure mind, AFFECTION follows one, even as one’s shadow that never leaves.
7. If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.
8. An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.
9. The tongue like a sharp knife… Kills without drawing blood.
10. To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him.
11. To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent.
12. When one has the feeling of dislike for evil, when one feels tranquil, one finds pleasure in listening to good teachings; when one has these feelings and appreciates them, one is free of fear.
13. Every human being is the author of his own health or disease

The Third Eye in Hinduism & Buddhism

As the traditions change, the meaning of the third eye also changes. Here, are some of the common old and new concepts about the third eye in Hinduism and Buddhism.

shivas 3rd eye — Shiva’s third eye of spiritual wisdom and knowledge

Lord Shiva’s third eye

Lord Shiva, the destroyer and the restorer, is one of the most complex Hindu gods. The various symbols surrounding Him details the qualities and powers of the deity. The Lord is also known as Tryambaka Deva, as He is often depicted as having three eyes. The devotees consider His right eye as the Sun and the left eye as Moon. The third eye is the eye of spiritual wisdom and knowledge. It is believed that He uses the third eye to see beyond the apparent and protect the good ones from the evildoers. All the evil and the ignorance vanish as the third eye opens.
Hindus believe that the physical world will be destroyed if Shiva opens His third eye.

3rd eye of Lord Buddha — The Buddha’s third eye of higher consciousness

Buddhism and third eye

In Buddhism, the third eye refers to the Eye of Consciousness, which asks followers to see the world beyond their physical eyes. It advises people to see the world with their minds.

Modern concepts about the third eye in Hinduism and Buddhism

As per modern spirituality, the third eye is a symbol of enlightenment. It is often referred to as “gyananakashu”, (the eye of knowledge). In Indian and East Asian iconography, the third eye is the “Ajna chakra” or the sixth chakra. It is also known as brow chakra or brow center. The third eye, or “Eye of Wisdom”, or, in Buddhism, the urna, is denoted by a dot, or mark on the forehead in the deities of Shiva or Buddha.

In certain Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, the third eye is the gate that leads the followers within to inner realms and spaces of higher consciousness. In the new concept, the third eye symbolizes a state of enlightenment.

Meaning of the Swastika in Buddhism and Hinduism

swastika Buddha statue — Buddha Statue with a Swastika symbol on his chest

The word “swastika” is derived from the Sanskrit svastika – “su” (“good” or “auspicious”) united with “asti” (“it is”), along with the diminutive suffix “ka.” The swastika literally means, “It is good” or”all is well”. The swastika is a cross with four arms of equal length, with the ends of each arm bent at a right angle. It is found worldwide in the art of the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Celts, Native Americans, and Persians. It is also related to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and is used in the flag of the Nazi Party. People use swastika as a charm to bring good fortune.

Meaning of swastika in Hinduism

It is believed that the word appeared for the first time Harivamsha Puranaand is noted to be absent in the Vedic Sanskrit. The word is found to be used, both in Ramayana and Mahabharata, but with a different meaning. Hindus consider the swastika as a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, and good fortune and use it to mark the opening pages of account books, pooja, doors, offerings, and thresholds. It is believed to have the power to ward off misfortune and negative forces from its surroundings.

The swastika is considered as Lord Ganesha, by some sects of Hindu people, and is worshiped to bring in good luck or fortune. Some people believe that the swastika’s cross represents God and creation. They consider the four bent arms stand for the four human aims (purushartha) – righteousness (dharma), wealth (artha), love (kama), and liberation, (moksha). It is a persuasive emblem of Sanatana Dharma (the eternal truth). Swastika also represents the world wheel, where the eternal life keeps on changing from one point to another, around the fixed center, God.

In Hinduism, the right-hand (clockwise) swastika is one of the 108 symbols of the sun and the god Vishnu, while the left-hand (counterclockwise) swastika represents the night, Goddess Kali, and magic. It is also regarded as a symbol of the muladhara chakra, the center of consciousness at the base of the spine.

Meaning of swastika in Buddhism

Just like the Hindus, the Buddhists also used the swastika to mark the beginning of Buddhist texts as they consider it a symbol of universal harmony, prosperity, plurality, good luck, abundance, dharma, fertility, long life, and eternity. In different parts of the world, the swastika is given a different meaning by the Buddhist. For instance, In Tibet, the swastika was a graphical representation of eternity. There are 65 auspicious symbols on the footprint of the Buddha and the swastika is considered as the first one. You can also find the swastika symbol imprinted on the body, palms, chest, or feet of Buddha. It is used to mark the beginning of sacred texts or as a clothing decoration. The Buddhists in India, consider swastika as “The Seal on Buddha’s Heart.”

From ancient times, Swastika is considered noble, which is prominent in most cultures throughout history. It is also the most liked symbol of Aryans.

8 Krishna Mantras, Hymns & Quotes for Lord Krishna

Click here to view all our Bronze Krishna Statues

Shri Krishna as the name means – He is the one who is capable of attracting everyone. The name Krishna also means absolute truth. Lord Krishna is the eighth and most famous avatar of Lord Vishnu who is symbolized as the best example of truth, love, dharma, and courage.

One of the most widely revered and most popular of all Indian divinities is Krishna, worshiped as the eighth incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu. Lord Krishna became the focus of a large number of devotional cults, which over the centuries have produced a wealth of religious poetry, music, painting, and sculpture.

Krishna affirms life in his pranks, music, and lovemaking

The rich variety of legends associated with Krishna’s life led to an abundance of representation in painting and sculpture. The divine lover (the most common representation) is shown playing the flute, surrounded by adoring gopis.

Here, are some of the most popular mantras of Shri Krishna used by devotees all over the world.

1. Moola Mantra

“Om Krishnaya Namaha“

Meaning: Salutations to the Lord Krishna

2. Krishna Gayatri Mantra: This mantra brings in high energy for activities and success in the job.

“Aum
Devkinandanaye Vidmahe
Vasudevaye Dhi-Mahi
Tan No Krishna Prachodayat
Aum“

3. Sri Krishna Ashtakam

Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chaanoora Mardhanam |
Devaki Paramaanandham Krishnam Vande’ Jagathgurum ||

Adhasee Pushpa Sankaasam Haara Noopura Sobhitham |
Rathna Kangana keyooram Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||

Kutilaalaka Samyuktham Poorna Chandra Nibhaananam |
Vilasath Kundala tharam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||

Mandhara Gandha Samyuktham Chaaru-haasam Chathur-bhujam; |
Parhipinjaa Vasoodaangam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||

Uthpulla Padma Patraksham Nilajimutha Sannibham. |
Yaadhavaanaam Sirorathnam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||

Rukmini Ke’li Samyuktham, Peethambara Su Sobitham; |
Avaaptha Thulasi Gaandharam, Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum. ||

Gopikaanaam Kusathvanthva Kunkumaangitha Vakshasam |
Srinike’tham Maheshvaasam Krishnam Vandhe’ Jagathgurum ||

Srivatsaankam, Mahoraskam, Vana Maala Virayitham; |
Sanka Chakra Dharam, Devam, Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum. ||

Krishnaashtakam itham Punyam Praatha Ruththaaya Ya:pade’th|
Ko’ti Janma Krutham Papam Smaranaath Thasya Nachyathi. ||

4. 24 name Mantra of Lord Krishna

“Shri Keshvay namah, Naraynay namah, Madhvay namah,
Govinday namah, Vishnve namah, Madhusudnay namah,
Trivikramay namah, Vamnay namah, Shridhray namah,
Hrshikeshay namah, Padhanabhay namah, Damodaray namah,
Sankrshnay namah, Vasudevay namah, Prdyumnay namah,
Aniruddhay namah, Purushottmay namah, Adhoxjay namah,
Narsinhay namah, Achyutay namah, Janardnay namah,
Upendray namah, Haraye namah, Shri Krishnay namah.“

5. Shri Krishna Aarti

“Aarti Yugal Kishor ki Kijai,
Radhe Tan Man dhan nyochhavar kijai.
Ravi shashi koti badan ki shobha,
Tahi nirakh mera man lobha.
Gaur Shyam mukh nirkhat rijhai,
Prabhu ko rup nayan bhar pijai.
Kanchan thar kapur ki bati,
Hari aye nirmal bhai chhati.
Phulan ki sej phulan ki mala,
Ratna sinhasan baithe Nandlala.
Mor mukut kar murli sohai,
Natwar vesh dekh manmohe.
Oddhe peet neel pat sari,
Kunj Bihari Girvardhari.
Shri Purshottam Girvar dhari,
arti karat sakal Brajanari.
Nandnandan Vnishabhanu Kishori,
Parmanand svami avichal jori.“

6. Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra: It is a 16-word Vaishnava mantra, the most famous mantra of Lord Krishna, which first appeared in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad.

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare“

7. Shree Radha Krishna Stuti

“Kararavinde Na Padaravindam
Mukharavinde Viniveshayantam
Vatasya Patrasya Pute Shayanam
Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami“

Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.

“Achyutam Keshavam Rama Narayanam
Krishna Daamodaram Vasudevam Harim
Shridharam Maadhavam Raamachandram Bhaje
Jaanki Naayakam Raamachandram Bhaje“

Meaning: I sing the praise of Ramachandra, Who is known as Achyuta (infallible), Keshav, Raam, Narayan, Krishna, Damodara, Vasudeva, Hari, Shridhara (possessing Lakshmi), Madhava, Gopikavallabha (Dearest of Gopika), and Janakinayaka (Lord of Janaki or Sita).

“Achyutam Keshavam Satyabhaa Maadhavam
Maadhavam Shridaram Radhika Radhikam
Indira Mandriram Chetasaa Sundaram
Devaki Nandanam Nandanam Sandadhe“

Meaning: I memorize the Lord in his infant form (Mukunda), who sleeps in a Banyan leaf. He is the one who puts his lotus life feet to His mouth, with the help of His hands.

“Tapta-Kanchana-Gaurangi Radhe
Vrindavaneshvari Vrishabhanu-Sute Devi
Pranamami Hari-Priye“

Meaning: I offer my respect to Shri Radha rani, who has a molten gold complexion. O Goddess, You are the queen of Vrindavana, the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and are very dear to Lord Krishna.

“Goloka-Vasini Gopi
Gopisha Gopa-Matrika
Sananda Paramananda
Nanda-Nandana-Kamini“

Meaning: Radha rani is a resident of Goloka, known as Vrindavan, and is a cowherd damsel. She is the queen of the gopis and the divine mother of the cowherd boys. She is joyful and always experiencing the highest bliss. She incites strong desires in the heart of the son of Nanda (Lord Krishna).

8. Sree Krishna Stuthi – Sandhyanaamam: This stuti is written by the famous devotee Poothanam, praising Lord Krishna.

“Anjana Sreedhara Charumoorthe Krishna
Anjali Koopi Vanangidunnen
Aananda Alangara Vaasudeva Krishna
Aathangam Ellam Akattidene
Indiranadha Jagannivasa Krishna,
Innende Munnil Vilangidene
Erezhulaginum Ekanaadha Krishna,
Eeranju Dikkum Niranja Roopa
Unni Gopala Kamalanethra Krishna,
Ullil Nee Vannu Vilangidene
Oozhiyil Vannu Piranna Naadha Krishna,
Oonam Koodathe Thunachidene
Ennulilulloru Taapamellam Krishna,
Ennunikanna Shamipickene
Edalalar Banannu Thulyamurthe Krishna,
Ereeyamodhena Kaithozhunnen
Aithikamaakum Sukhathilaho Krishna
Ayyo Enikkoru Mohamille
Ottalla Kauthugamantharange Krishna
Omalthirumeni Bhangikaanaan
Odakkuzhalvili Melamode Krishna,
Odivarigende Gopabaala
Oudharyakomala Kelisheela Krishna,
Oupamyamilla Gunangalkethum
Ambujalochana Ninpaada Pankajam,
Ambodu Njaanidaa Koombidunnen
Athyanda Sundara Nandasuno Krishna,
Atthal Kalanjenne Paalikkene
Krishna Mukilvarna, Vrushnee Kuleshwara,
Krishnambujekshana Kaithozhunnen
Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare Jaya, Krishna Hare…“

Meaning: I salute you, pretty Krishna, who is black and who carries Lakshmi with folded hands.
Hey happy Krishna, who is decorated. He is also known as Vasudeva,
Be pleased to take away all my sorrows.

Hey Krishna who presides all over the universe and who is the consort of Lakshmi,
Please appear before me,
Hey Krishna who is the only lord of fourteen worlds,
You are the one, who fills all the ten directions fully,

Oh lotus-eyed Krishna, who is the baby cowherd,
Be pleased to come and live inside me,
Oh Krishna, who has taken birth on this earth,
Please help me to live without any problems.

Oh Krishna, you should put out the raging,
Problems of my heart, oh my baby Krishna,
Oh Krishna who is equal to the formidable Banasura,
I salute you with the greatest happiness.

Oh Krishna I do not have any desire,
And alas I do not have any desire,
And Oh Krishna the curiosity within me is great,
To see the beauty of your body, Oh Krishna

Oh Krishna, along with the music of your flute with drum beats,
Oh Lad of the cowherds, please come running to me,
Oh pretty and charitable Krishna, who is playful,
There is no comparison at all for your qualities.

I salute your lotus-like feet with love for you,
Oh Lord with lotus-like eyes,
Oh most pretty one, Ok Krishna, oh son of Nanda,
Please drive away my problems and take care of me.

Oh cloud colored Krishna, Oh star of the clan of Vrushnees,
Oh Krishna with lotus-like eyes, I salute you,
Victory to Krishna who is hari, Victory to Krishna who is Hari,
Victory to Krishna, who is Hari

View all of our Mantras to Hindu Gods
Including English and Sanskrit Translations

10 Kali Mantras	15 Saraswati Mantras	4 Ganesha Mantras
6 Murugan Mantras	8 Krishna Mantras	7 Hanuman Mantras
3 Lakshmi Mantras	8 Vishnu Mantras	5 Shiva Mantras

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