Ancient bronze Buddha in lotus pose, taking the earth as witness - Bronze - Thailand - 19th century

Old bronze Buddha in lotus position, calling the earth as a witness. Northern Thailand - 19th century. In good condition, age related wear and tear. Height: 14. 5 cm - Diameter of the base: 8 cm. Weight: 464 g. The lotus position with the hands folded is the classic posture of meditation. The hands are sometimes represented with the thumbs touching each other, forming a mystical triangle. This gesture, symbol of wisdom, was performed by Buddha in his final meditation, when he reached enlightenment. The gesture of taking the earth as a witness: Sitting in meditation posture, Buddha comes out of his meditation and moves his right arm towards his knee to touch the earth with the tips of his fingers. This gesture recalls a precise moment when Shakyâmuni was challenged by Mâra, the lord of death and desire, just before reaching Awakening. In fear of seeing his power undermined, the latter dispatched his formidable armies and voluptuous daughters to the recluse in meditation. These assaults remained in vain, Mâra asked the meditator to provide proof of his past merits. Neither frightened nor moved, the latter calmly touched the ground with his right hand and asked Sthâvarâ (or Prithvî) , the earth goddess, to bear witness to the meritorious acts accumulated and the gifts lavished for the benefit of all living beings. The goddess testified, thus sealing the defeat of Mâra. ‘As soon as this great Earth was touched by the Bodhisattva, it trembled in six ways: trembled, trembled strongly on all sides; resounded, resounded strongly on all sides (. . .) The great goddess of the earth, named Sthâvarâ, having shown her body adorned with all its ornaments, the body inclined, the hands joined, spoke thus: it is indeed a Great man, he is well as it has been declared by you! Here we are to prove it. Moreover, Blessed One, you have become the supreme witness of the world, which also includes the gods’. Bodhisattva is a Sanskrit term. In Hinayana Buddhism, it refers to a Buddha before it has reached awakening. In Mahayana Buddhism, it refers to the one who made the vow to follow the path shown by Shakyamuni Buddha, has taken refuge from the three jewels (Buddha, Dharma and Sangha) and strictly respects the disciplines intended for the Bodhisattvas, to first help other sentient beings to awaken while delaying his own liberation out of compassion. Pictures taken in artificial light. Registered shipment with insurance and track & trace.