11 Popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings

Buddhist statues are some of the most recognizable forms of sacred art in the world. From the serene image of the meditating Buddha to the compassionate presence of Kuan Yin, these statues—found in temples and home shrines alike—serve as powerful, tangible reminders of the values they embody. They are not only representations of historical or mythological figures, but visual expressions of qualities like wisdom, compassion, and perseverance. Here are 11 popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings.

Like in other faith traditions, certain figures and events have long fascinated artists, inspiring them to depict these subjects in lasting works of art for future generations.

Whether or not you practice Buddhism, you’ve likely encountered at least some these statues and artistic representations, either in popular culture or as iconic landmarks throughout many Asian countries.

Meditating Buddha

One of the most ubiquitous artistic representations of the Buddha depicts him in deep meditation, seated in the full lotus position with both soles turned upward and resting on opposite thighs.

In this statue, his hands are placed in the dhyana mudra (or some variation) with the right hand resting atop the left, and the thumbs lightly touching. This gesture reflects balance, concentration, and inner unity.

The meditating Buddha may be shown seated on a lotus pedestal, or beneath the Bodhi tree, where he attained enlightenment. There are few adornments—often just the monastic robe draped over one or both shoulders. The statue emphasizes stillness and self-possession, qualities at the heart of meditative practice.

As is typical, the Meditating Buddha has long, drooping earlobes, and bumps or curls on his head. These motifs are described below.

The image above is perhaps the most well-known statue of the meditating Buddha: the Kamakura Daibutsu, or Great Buddha of Kamakura, located at Kōtoku-in temple in Kamakura, Japan.

Seated Buddha

The Seated Buddha represents the moment that the Buddha attained enlightenment. He is shown seated in the lotus posture, with the hands displaying the bhumisparsha mudra, or “earth-touching” gesture—right hand reaching toward the ground, left in the lap. This represents the moment of the Buddha’s enlightenment, when he called the Earth to witness his awakening under the Bodhi tree.

Like other statues and artistic representations of the Buddha, he is depicted with two recurring visual motifs: elongated earlobes and cranial bumps known as ushnisha.

The long earlobes are a visual reminder of the Buddha’s early life as a prince. He once wore heavy, ornate earrings that stretched his ears—symbols of wealth and worldly attachment. After renouncing his royal status in pursuit of enlightenment, he removed the jewelry, but the stretched earlobes remained. In Buddhist art, they represent spiritual renunciation, wisdom, and the ability to hear the suffering of the world.

The ushnisha, which are represented as a single bump in some traditions or multiple snail-shell like curls in others, represent spiritual wisdom.

The image above is a 15th century Thai statue of the Seated Buddha currently on view at The Met.

Medicine Buddha

The Medicine Buddha, or Bhaiṣajyaguru, represents the healing aspect of awakened wisdom. He is typically shown seated in the lotus posture, with a calm and steady gaze.

His right hand reaches downward over his knee in the varada mudra, the gesture of offering, and sometimes holds a myrobalan fruit—an ancient healing plant used in Ayurveda and traditional Tibetan medicine. His left hand, resting palm-up in his lap holding a gallipot or bowl, containing medicine or ointment.

Statues of the Medicine Buddha are often painted a deep blue, symbolizing the color of lapis lazuli, which is associated with purity and the transformation of suffering. In Tibetan practice, he is sometimes shown with six accompanying Buddhas, known collectively as the Seven Medicine Buddhas, each with their own vows and qualities.

Reclining Buddha

The Reclining Buddha depicts the moment of the Buddha’s final passing into Parinirvana, the complete cessation of suffering and rebirth. This posture, known as the lion posture, shows the Buddha lying on his right side, head resting on a pillow or his hand, with his feet aligned.

This image is not meant to convey death as an end, but rather the fulfillment of the spiritual path. The Buddha’s expression is serene and composed, suggesting detachment and peace at the moment of release. In some versions, disciples are gathered nearby in reverence or grief.

Reclining Buddha statues are more commonly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand and Myanmar, and are often quite large in scale. Their presence invites reflection on impermanence, mortality, and the possibility of liberation. This depiction is used on altars during the commemoration of Nirvana Day at Buddhist temples.

The image above is a 2nd-3rd century stone sculpture from Pakistan.

Hotei (Laughing Buddha)

Though often included among Buddhist figures, Hotei the Laughing Buddha is actually a Chinese folkloric monk who became associated with Maitreya, the future Buddha. He is portrayed with a large belly, an open smile, and a cloth sack slung over his shoulder.

He usually stands or sits in a relaxed pose, holding prayer beads, a fan, or a gold ingot—symbols of contentment and abundance. Hotei is often surrounded by children or animals, adding to his image as a bringer of joy and good fortune.

Unlike the contemplative Buddhas, Hotei is animated and humorous. His presence is meant to ease burdens and lift spirits. While not central to Buddhist doctrine, he remains a beloved and familiar figure throughout East Asia.

Jizo Bodhisattva (Ksitigarbha)

The Bodhisattva Jizo, known in Sanskrit as Ksitigarbha, is a bodhisattva particularly revered in Japan. He is regarded as a guardian of children, travelers, and souls in difficult transitions—including the deceased.

Jizo is typically portrayed as a simple monk figure, shaven-headed, wearing plain robes, and holding a shakujo (ringed staff) in one hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in the other. The staff is used symbolically to open the gates of hell, and the jewel represents his vow to assist all beings.

Small Jizo statues are often found at roadside shrines or cemeteries. In Japan, people leave offerings or dress them in red bibs and caps—acts of devotion to protect lost or unborn children.

Kuan Yin (Guanyin)

Kuan Yin, or Guanyin, is the Chinese form of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. In East Asia, she is most often depicted in female form, though the original Sanskrit figure is male or genderless.

She may be shown standing or seated, holding a willow branch (used to sprinkle healing water) or a vase filled with the nectar of compassion. Her facial expression is calm and receptive, often with the right hand raised in abhaya mudra, a gesture of protection and reassurance.

Kuan Yin statues vary widely—from modest to highly ornate—yet all convey the central ideal of attentive presence. She is a frequent figure in homes and temples, especially among those seeking to cultivate kindness or find solace during emotional trials.

Some contemporary art scholars have compared depictions of Kuan Yin as remarkably similar to the Virgin Mary in Christian traditions.

Kuan Yin And The Ocean

This variation shows Kuan Yin accompanied by a turtle (or dragon) an animal that in East Asian symbolism represents longevity, patience, and wisdom. The turtle may rest near her feet or be carved into the base of the statue.

Kuan Yin is also considered a patroness of fishermen, who were said to pray to her for safe travel. Artists have often rendered her carrying a basket of fish in reference to this association. The so-called “fish-basket Guanyin” is also an homage to a popular Chinese tale. In the story, a beautiful woman offers to marry a suitor who can memorize the Buddhist sutras. The woman, of course, was believed to be Kuan Yin.

Read more here for an in-depth look at Kuan Yin statues and iconography.

Manjushri Bodhisattva

Manjushri is the bodhisattva of wisdom, revered across Tibetan and Mahayana traditions. He is usually shown seated on a lotus or lion throne, the lion symbolizing the fearless roar of truth.

In his right hand, he holds a flaming sword—used to cut through ignorance and delusion. His left hand often holds a sutra book resting atop a lotus flower. His appearance is youthful, symbolizing the freshness and clarity of insight.

Statues of Manjushri may appear solitary or in a triad with other bodhisattvas. The meaning behind this Buddhist statue is intellectual clarity, careful reasoning, and the courage to pursue truth even when it challenges familiar beliefs.

Bodhidharma

Bodhidharma was a 5th- or 6th-century monk traditionally credited with transmitting Chan (Zen) Buddhism from India to China. He is portrayed as rugged and intense, often with a beard, large eyes, and a robe drawn over one shoulder.

He is typically shown seated in zazen, the Zen meditation posture, without adornment. Some statues show him crossing a river on a reed—one of many legends about his ascetic life. His gaze may appear stern or direct, reflecting Zen’s emphasis on awakening through direct experience rather than scriptural study.

Bodhidharma statues are sparse in ornament, conveying a singular determination.

The above image is a Chinese statue of Bodhidharma made from Dehua white porcelain dating back to the 17th century.

Daruma

Derived from Bodhidharma, Daruma is a stylized Japanese figure used in goal-setting rituals. Typically made of papier-mâché and weighted to return upright when tipped, Daruma dolls are symbols of resilience and perseverance.

They are not statues in the traditional sense but serve a ritual function: when someone sets a goal, they fill in one eye of the blank-faced Daruma. The second eye is drawn only once the goal is achieved.

In Japan, Daruma dolls are part of New Year’s tradition, encouraging reflection and goal setting in the new year.

A note on our sources:

Thank you for reading “11 Popular Buddhist Statues and Their Meanings”. Still Sitting is committed to writing and researching articles that are accurate and informative. We know there are many places to find information online. So, we work hard to ensure that we are a trusted source for all of our readers. This blog is intended to help you learn about our products and the cultural subjects that we hold dear. As part of this commitment, we include the sources we use to write our posts:

Utah State University: Symbolism in Asian Statues of the Buddha
The Met Museum: Buddhism and Buddhist Art
Stanford University: Mudras of the Great Buddha