When a Practitioner, who is relatively new to buying brass idols, drops in our store and sees a wide variety of collections, they could get confused about which statue to buy. We guide them and explain the different varieties and sizes that are available. From this experience of guiding a practitioner to buy a statue, we share with you some of the steps that could help clear out your confusion and bring clarity to the decision you make.
Before we get started, it’s essential to know that when buying any Dharma item, is it a statue, thangka, maalas, or any other item. It’s not necessarily like shopping for other products that fulfill our needs and wants and then disposing of them within a short period, and then it becomes useless. When looking for brass god idols, it’s like looking for a friend who inspires and supports you in your journey and practice as long as you breathe. You can further pass down the Dharma item to the generation to come. The item will be invaluable once you begin to practice with it. Keeping this in mind, let's now consider some of the crucial steps when buying a statue.
· Being clear with the name of the Deity and its qualities-
When it comes to the practice of Vajrayana or Mahayana, there are several Buddhas and Bodhisattvas along with
great Buddhist masters. The practitioner should do a brief study about the Buddhas or the Bodhisattvas they are looking for. Getting the name right and the significant iconography are necessary.
When one says Buddha, one could generally have an idea of the historical Buddha known as ‘Shakyamuni Buddha’. But one should be aware of other Buddhas like ‘Amitabha Buddha’ or ‘Medicine Buddha’, etc. Each has different representations in their hand positioning, color and the items they may hold. Being specific about the Deity's name and its iconography will indeed bring clarity as you begin to look for the right statue.
· Understanding almost Statue Sizes and Finishes
When one becomes apparent with the deity and the God idols, one can now begin to view statues and their wide variety of sizes and finishes.
· Dimensions of the Statue-
Statues could range in different sizes, from minor to significant. When choosing a size, let’s first look at the sizes that are generally available-
1. Small size statues (4” – 6” inches)
2. Medium size statues (7” -10” inches)
3. Giant size statues (12”- 15” inches)
4. Giant size statues (16” inches and above)
Medium sizes are popular among practitioners, and giant brass idols for home are also famous. Small-size statues are difficult to craft and work on, so the quality of the work may not be as good as the work done on medium or more enormous statues. And sizes smaller than small statues aren’t available much nowadays, and if they are, most are made out of machines (Vacuum Moulding). When deciding upon the size, do look into the size of your shrine and choose accordingly.
