Weeping Buddha by photosynthesis
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Description
I found this carving of a weeping Buddha in a flea market decades ago. There's a legend that goes with it:
"A long, long time ago there were two legendary warriors who confronted each other in numerous battles with neither getting the best over the other. Both of them wore masks which meant that they never actually saw each other’s face. After many such battles where both skilled warriors failed to best the other, one finally prevailed and the younger warrior was killed. Upon removing his opponents mask as to finally see who his worthy adversary was, the older warrior discovered he had been fighting and now killed his one and only long lost son.
Anguish and suffering tore through the older warrior like a jagged sword tearing through its victim and the man fell to the ground, the very life ripped from him, his chest heaving, he buried his face in his hands to hide the truth of what he saw as tears of dread poured from his eyes. It is said that “the weeping Buddha” is actually a wood carved statue of that tortured and grief stricken older warrior."
For me, the weeping Buddha is a reminder of the difference between pain & suffering. Pain is an inevitable part of life - we all experience it at various times when we ourselves or people we love are afflicted with it & we have to somehow learn to deal with it - but suffering is self-inflicted. Anger, hatred, greed & stupidity are examples of some of the ways we behave that inflict suffering on ourselves & others. So I think of the weeping Buddha as a compassionate soul who cries over the needless suffering in the world...
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Comments (17)
Jay-el-Jay
A great photo of this powerful,woodcarving.The lengand is also a powerful story.
bebopdlx
Awesome sculptor work. Very cool info.
blankfrancine
You have captured the essence of this wood carving. Fine capture.
durleybeachbum
It is a strong piece of sculpture .
Juliette.Gribnau
touching sculpture
jayfar
A fascinating story and in it, a lot of truth.
alanwilliams
such a beautiful piece of work, glorious detail
goodoleboy
Marvelous POV, lighting and super orangy (sepia?) effects bring this beautiful image into a spiritual realm all its own.
MrsRatbag
Superb capture of this wonderful carving!
Faemike55
Beautiful capture and moving narrative
irisinthespring
Marvelous capture and story!
kenmo
Very, very nice....
SunriseGirl
What a wonderful find at a flea market. Thanks for sharing this marvelous piece of art and the story.
anahata.c
A beautiful upload, your image is treated with almost a painter's brush: It's quiet and introspective, with deep reddish shading that invites us into the interior of this anguished soul even as his feelings are torn. The bright glow around him---on on his head and other highlights---give a feeling of light just outside his anguish, which so fits a buddha. And I'd never heard that tale, and it's a beautiful accompaniment to the image. You really did this beautifully on all levels, in words and in your beautiful handling of the image. The image almost has things in common with some christ-centered imagery, with a notable musculature in the weeping christ. A genuine example of how you wrest the inner image from inside the image, and present it to us as an offering. Beautifully done on all levels Claude. (And I like your distinction between pain and suffering. Very well put.) I'm just doing a quick visit to my core galleries tonight, but I'll be back for more soon. (And I'll have a dedi for you in the coming few weeks! This month got away from me like the wind that's been blowing in from the North Pole...)
droog4474
I have one of these. Found it in a flea market on a top self among a bunch of chunk. Mine has it's legs tucked in more; looks as though the whole thing were carved from a 1.5' wood cube. I fell in love with it instantly and it still sit in my living room to this day. Nice capture!
tommorules
Favourited more for your words than for the photo, though BOTH are beautiful.....
danapommet
A very interesting pose for Buddha and a profound statement about suffering - it is self inflicted and it can spread to others and inflict greater pain on them which will come back and increase your pain!