Does Buddha bring happiness?

Buddhism is one of the largest and oldest religions in the world. It was created about 2500 years ago in India. The purpose of the Buddha's teachings was to help humanity free itself from suffering and find the path to enlightenment. Lasting happiness could be achieved by right conduct, meditation, spiritual and physical work.

Nowadays, statues and paintings with the image of Buddha can be found not only in the temples of the Far East, but also in homes and public buildings as well as workplaces. They are an essential element of rooms for meditation and provide good feng shui. Decoration with the image of Buddha is a unique addition to your home and garden. Statues and paintings with the image of the "enlightened" are found in living rooms, bathrooms, terraces and balconies.

Buddha in his physical form is a symbol of happiness, strength, inner peace and wisdom. It is worth paying attention to the gestures (mudras) made by the "enlightened one" and in what position he was presented. We can meet his silhouette in a sitting, standing, lying and walking position. Standing Buddha gives blessings and drives away evil forces. The lying position shows his image just before his death, at the moment of the greatest enlightenment. The most common seated Buddha shows gestures (mudras) with his hands, which have their symbolic meaning:

• Gesture symbolizing the state of deep concentration and meditation: Hands placed on the pubis, one on top of the other (palms facing up).
• Gesture summoning the earth as a witness: The right hand rests on the knee (with the palm facing inward), the fingertips touching the ground. The left hand is placed on the thigh.
• A gesture to dispel fear and provide protection: The right hand is raised to shoulder height. The palm of the hand is facing outwards and the fingers are extended upwards.

We can also meet a figure of a laughing, bald Buddha with a big belly. It is derived from Chinese folklore replica of the famous Chinese monk Pu-Tai, who according to Chinese tradition performed miracles. In Chinese culture, touching the round belly of the laughing Buddha brings happiness and prosperity.