Buddhist art has always fascinated art lovers and meditation enthusiasts around the globe. Scientists now agree that Buddhist beliefs depicted in the spiritual Buddhist artwork can enhance our brain function. 

About Buddhism

Buddhism is a religion to over 300 million people. Its origin point to Butsu, also called Gautama, Gautama Buddha, Prince Siddhāttha of Siddhartha, the founder of Buddhism. Buddhist religion is unlike other contemporary religions in that, to many, it is more of a spiritual tradition and philosophy based on understanding and practice than a faith-based religion. Buddhism explains a purpose to this life and promotes practices that lead to inner peace and happiness. In Buddhism, all “gods” are impermanent higher beings who are subject to rebirth. They are not creators or deities with absolute power. The Buddha was not a god, nor did he ever claim to be.

Who was Buddha?

The Buddha was Prince Siddhartha Gautama, born into a royal family in what is now Nepal, in the year 563 BC. Before he turned 30, he came to accept that the wealth and luxury into which he was born would never guarantee him happiness, and so he left home to study different philosophies. After six years of diligent study and meditation, Buddha finally reached what he called ‘the middle path,’ or enlightenment. After finding enlightenment, the Buddha became known as Shakyamuni and spent the rest of his life teaching the principles of Buddhism.

Buddhists and Buddha lovers all over the world keep artistic depictions of Buddha around their homes, Buddhist altars, meditation rooms and work spaces. In fact, bronze sitting Buddha statues are popular and fundamental decorative pieces for bringing mindfulness and prosperity into the home and office.  The bronze sitting Buddhist statue will improve Feng Shui of any office and home where it is placed.

Main Beliefs of Buddhism

The main beliefs of Buddhism can be summed up with the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths say that life is suffering, suffering is caused by craving, suffering can be overcome to reach happiness and the only way to end suffering is through the Noble Eightfold Path.

Following the Noble Eightfold Path means being moral, focusing on the mind and on full awareness of thoughts and actions, developing compassion for others and understanding the Four Noble Truths.

Tibetan Thangkas, when hung in the home, yoga studio or meditation room, act as a simple means to reinforce the Four Noble Truths in daily life. These beautiful, ornate Buddha paintings depict scenes featuring the different Buddhist gods and goddesses. Such sleek and colorful Feng Shui tapestries make for visually stimulating reminders that suffering can be overcome and that life is beautiful.

Buddhism in Western Society

Buddhism has become popular in western countries for several reasons. In practice, Buddhism encourages a deep understanding of the human mind. Psychologists and neuroscientists around the world are beginning to discover that there are effective mental health benefits to Buddhist practice. Meditation, a fundamental practice in the Buddhist religion, is based on guided breathing to obtain mindfulness, the state of objective awareness of the present moment.

Meditation helps with seeing bad thoughts and negative emotions such as jealousy, fear and disappointment in an objective way. When one meditates, one becomes able to separate the self from these negative thoughts, letting them pass without feeling connected to them. Meditation has been proven by neuroscientists to increase cognitive functions including focus, retention and happiness.

Mindfulness is not an easy state to obtain. It takes practice and discipline. For many, a simple visual reminder is all that is needed to strengthen this discipline. Buddhist pendants and Feng Shui jewelry pieces act as visual reminders of achieving inner peace. So wear them close to your heart everywhere you go to remind you to get rid of negative thinking and stress during meditation and open yourself up to good luck, positive energy and positive thoughts.