By Amy Underdown, London, UK

What is the best way to meditate? The short answer... is that there isn’t one. 

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years by different sects, religions, philosophies and groups across the world. It’s part of countless traditions, and yet, at the same time, meditation is an intensely personal and unique experience to every person. Whilst the end goal – a state of serenity and clarity of mind – might remain the same, the journey of how we get there, and what works best for us, will differ between each individual. 

Finding what works best for you may well be a process of trial and error, but if you need a little guidance along the way, having a Buddha statue may well help you on your spiritual journey. Bringing a Buddha statue into the home curates a space that is conducive to a true meditative state as it is said to be a good replication of the serenity of a temple. This sense of serenity, with the Buddha statue as a focal point, means that the meditation journey can be guided and fruitful.

For those who really want to focus on their meditative practice, it’s a good idea to bring a Meditation Buddha into your meditation space. The Meditation Buddha, as its name suggests, depicts the Buddha in a meditative state – but there are also deeper meanings behind the Buddha’s pose and hand position (known as mudra) which make it the ideal accompaniment to any meditation journey. 

This Buddha sits in the lotus pose, instantly recognisable as the typical position assumed by meditators across the globe. The Meditation Buddha also features the Dhyana mudra, which sees both hands placed in the lap facing upwards, with the right hand resting on the palm of the left. The top of the thumbs touch to form a triangle, which is echoed in the Buddha’s triangular silhouette. The triangle is a key symbol in Buddhism as it symbolises the unity of the triple gem: the Buddha, Dharma and the Sangha.

Having a Meditation Buddha can therefore strengthen an individual’s spiritual resolve and set them on the right path of meditation, particularly if you are seeking balance as part of your journey. The positive energies of the Buddha statue are said to encapsulate a room and therefore make the meditation journey deeper and more meaningful.

Once again, meditation is unique to every person, because true serenity looks different to us all. With that in mind, it is also worth noting that there are many types of Buddha statue in various poses, all with different meanings and focal points. If you are seeking greater focus in your meditation, it is worth investigating these different types of statues to find one which aligns with your personal meditation journey, to make sure that your practice is fruitful and focused.