# Buddha Statues: Meanings, Poses and Placement > Buddha statues are devotional and decorative images of the Buddha and of Buddhist figures such as Kuan Yin. Each pose or hand gesture (mudra) has a… URL: https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/guides/buddha-statues-guide Updated: 2026-10-30 Buddha statues are devotional and decorative images of the Buddha and of Buddhist figures such as Kuan Yin. Each pose or hand gesture (mudra) has a traditional meaning, such as the earth-touching hand, the meditation hands or the raised hand of protection. If you keep one at home, place it respectfully: raised and clean, not on the floor or in a bathroom. Here are the common forms and what they mean. ## Common poses and mudras ### Meditation (dhyana mudra) Hands resting in the lap, one on the other: concentration. ### Earth-touching (bhumisparsha mudra) The right hand reaches to the ground: the moment of enlightenment, calling the earth to witness. ### Fearlessness (abhaya mudra) The right hand raised, palm out: protection and reassurance. ### Teaching (dharmachakra mudra) Hands at the chest forming circles: turning the wheel of the teaching. ### Reclining The Buddha lying on his right side: his passing into parinirvana. ### Laughing Buddha (Budai) The jolly Chinese folk figure of contentment and plenty, a different figure from the historical Buddha. ## Other figures ### Kuan Yin (Guanyin) The bodhisattva of compassion, widely honoured in East Asia. ### Ganesh The elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, the remover of obstacles. He is often found beside Buddhist pieces in UK shops, but he belongs to a separate tradition. ### The lotus A symbol of purity rising from muddy water. ## Respectful placement Traditional guidance is to place the statue at or above eye level, facing into the room or towards the entrance, in a clean spot. Avoid floors and bathrooms, and do not use a statue as a doorstop. Many Buddhists are happy for statues to be enjoyed as art when they are treated with respect. ## Caring for statues Dust resin pieces with a soft brush, and wipe brass or stone with a dry cloth. UK delivery is £3.95, free on orders over £40, and usually takes 2–5 working days. ## What the hand gestures mean The hand position (mudra) tells you which moment of the Buddha's story a statue shows. The earth-touching gesture, right hand reaching to the ground, recalls the moment of awakening. Hands resting in the lap show meditation. A raised open palm means 'do not fear'. Thumb and finger joined in a circle mean teaching. ## Laughing Buddha is a different figure The round, laughing figure often called the 'fat Buddha' is Budai, a Chinese folk monk linked with contentment and good fortune. He is a popular gift for a new home or business, while seated Buddha figures are often used as a focus for meditation. ## Respectful placement, in more detail Buddhist teachers give different advice, but common courtesies are: - Place statues at or above eye level, on a shelf or table, not on the floor. - Avoid bathrooms, and don't use statues as doorstops or bookends. - Face the statue into the room rather than at a wall. - Keep the area tidy; a candle, flower or incense is a traditional offering. ## Indoor or outdoor? Resin and stone-effect statues can stand outdoors in summer but may crack in frost; bring them in or raise them off wet ground in winter. Brass and bronze develop a natural patina outside. ## Choosing a size Measure your shelf or alcove first. A 15–20 cm statue suits a desk or bedside; 30 cm and over makes a focal point for a meditation corner or garden. ## Who the Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama was born in what is now Nepal around the 5th century BCE. Tradition tells how he left a palace life to seek the end of suffering and reached enlightenment while meditating under the Bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya. His teachings spread across Asia, taking different forms in Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana Buddhism. Statues of the Buddha are not worshipped as idols in most traditions; they are reminders of qualities such as calm, kindness and awareness. ## Common figures you may see - Seated meditating Buddha: hands resting in the lap, a symbol of calm focus. - Earth-touching Buddha: the moment of awakening. - Reclining Buddha: the Buddha's passing into nirvana. - Medicine Buddha: blue, holding a bowl, in Tibetan tradition. - Kuan Yin (Guanyin): the bodhisattva of compassion, often shown as a graceful woman. - Ganesh: not Buddhist but Hindu, the elephant-headed remover of obstacles, often given for new beginnings. ## Creating a meditation corner Choose a quiet spot, put down a cushion or chair, and place the statue slightly above eye level when you are seated. Add a candle, a plant or flower, and perhaps a singing bowl to mark the start and end of your sit. Keep the space tidy; that care is part of the practice. ## Statues as gifts A Buddha or Kuan Yin statue is a thoughtful gift for someone starting meditation or yoga, moving home or going through a hard time. Choose a calm, seated pose, and add a short note explaining what the gesture means. Laughing Buddha (Budai) figures are popular for new businesses and homes in Chinese tradition. ## Materials and what they say Resin statues are light, affordable and finely detailed. Stone and stone-effect statues feel grounded and suit gardens in mild weather. Brass and bronze statues are traditional in the Himalayas and develop a warm patina. Wooden statues, often from Indonesia or Thailand, are warm to the touch but need dry air. Choose what suits your space and how you will use it. ## Statues in stock Real pieces in stock today, with current prices. Each product page lists size, materials and what is included. - [Earth Powder Singing Bowl - Mandala Buddha - 16cm](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/earth-powder-singing-bowl-mandala-buddha-16cm919): £28.00. - [Ganesh Singing Bowl](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/ganesh-singing-bowl920): £27.20. - [Special Meditation Bowl Set](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/special-meditation-bowl-set944): £34.16. - [Five Buddha Singing Bowl Set 10cm (min 400gm)](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/five-buddha-singing-bowl-set-10cm-min-400gm983): £36.00. - [Gemstone Large Buddha - Que Sera Stone](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/gemstone-large-buddha-que-sera-stone366): £19.20. - [Gemstone Large Buddha - Amethyst](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/gemstone-large-buddha-amethyst376): £19.20. - [The Meditation Collection Blended Essential Oil Set](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/the-meditation-collection-blended-essential-oil-set): £27.99. - [The Meditation Collection Incense Stick Set](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/products/the-meditation-collection-incense-stick-set): £14.99. ## Words worth knowing - **Mudra**: a symbolic hand gesture. - **Bodhisattva**: in Mahayana Buddhism, a being who delays nirvana to help others. - **Budai**: the Laughing Buddha of Chinese folk tradition. ## Questions **Where should a Buddha statue be placed?** Raised, clean and respectful, often facing the entrance. **What is the difference between the Buddha and the Laughing Buddha?** The Laughing Buddha (Budai) is a Chinese folk figure, distinct from the historical Buddha. **Is it disrespectful to own a Buddha statue?** Not if you treat it respectfully and avoid using it as a novelty. **What does the earth-touching mudra mean?** The Buddha's enlightenment, calling the earth as witness. **Is it disrespectful to own a Buddha statue if I'm not Buddhist?** Most Buddhist teachers welcome it if the statue is treated with respect: placed high, kept clean and not used as a doorstop or ornament in a bathroom. **Which way should a Buddha statue face?** Into the room, ideally towards the entrance. Feng shui traditions vary, so choose what feels right in your space. **Where is the best place for a Buddha statue at home?** A clean, raised spot in a calm room, such as a shelf in a living room or a meditation corner, facing into the room. **What does a Buddha with one hand raised mean?** A raised open palm is the abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and 'do not fear'. **Can a Buddha statue go in a bedroom?** Yes, many people keep one on a bedside table or shelf. Some traditions prefer that it doesn't face the bed directly; choose a calm, tidy spot. ## Related - [Buddha statues](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/collections/buddha-statues) - [Singing bowls](https://www.starseeduk.co.uk/collections/singing-bowls) --- Starseed UK describes spiritual uses as tradition and belief, never as health or medical claims. UK delivery £3.95, free over £40.