Red copper figurine Padmasambhava

Recently made red copper figurine depicting Padmasambhava. 

In the historiography of (especially) Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava is a figure of enormous importance. Legend speaks of him being incarnated as an 8 year old child, born in a lotus-flower in lake Dhanakosha in (nowadays) Pakistan. His name 'Padmasambhava' translates as 'the Lotus-born'. His extra-ordinary talents were recognised and quickly he became a great esoteric teacher. Another one of his names refers to this: 'Guru Rinpoche', which translates as 'precious teacher'.

In the 8th century, Buddhism tried to set foot in Tibet, but was restrained in doing so by  the already resident older local gods and spirits (associated with the ancient Tibetan Bon tradition or the old school of Nyingma). Attempts to conquer or expel these deities and spirits were all doomed to fail. This is when the local king called upon the help of the then already famous tantric teacher and magician Padmasambhava, who came to Tibet and subdued all the old spirits, giving them the ultimatum to either leave Tibet forever or convert to Buddhism and protect the buddhist teachings, in this way oathbounding them to become 'dharmapala' (protectors of the dharma).

Padmasambhava is thus seen as the founder of Tibetan ('tantric') Buddhism, which differs greatly from for example Zen Buddhism. In cosmology and methodology, Tibetan Buddhism has great overlaps with the Himalayan shamanic traditions and by many Himalayan shamans, Padmasambhava is considered to be the 'original' or 'first' shaman.

This figurine is made of red copper and painted with brown and silver colors. In his left hand Padmasambhava holds his iconic staff with symbols of a double dorje, skulls and a trident top. This staff is made of alpaca metal. The figurine is recently made and the decoration is, as can be seen on the pictures, not of really high quality. But of course it can still be a good item for your personal altar.

This figurine is a hollow one. Buddhist statues such as this one are often filled up with a mix of special sacred ingredients, such as chippings of precious stones and metals, herbs and grains, pieces of fabric or paper with symbols or mantra's on it and sometimes even relics from sacred places. These fillings are an offering to the spirit of the statue and adding them enlivens and blesses it for its purpose. After filling them, a thin metal plate is glued on to seal the bottom. 

Sizes; approximately 9 centimeters high, 5,5 centimeters wide and 4 centimeters deep. Weight is 205 grams. 

Only one available.