hindu statues

From the delicate petals of a carved lotus blossom, a seated Buddha emerges, framed by floral latticework. Master woodcarver Wayan Rendah uses local suar wood to carve this statuette, achieving remarkable details. Rendah presents the Buddha figure in a peaceful and meditative state with his eyes closed. The Buddhist teaching of love and meditation plays an important role in the Balinese Hindu belief system. In short, Buddhism preaches that a wholesome existence guided by the right thinking, conduct, livelihood, mindfulness, and concentration will release one from the painful cycle of life and death.

Lying down together, the fabled lovers Rama and Sita from the Hindu epic Ramayana are depicted in this awe-inspiring sculpture from Bali. Nyoman Indrawati Subrata of the Subrata Family carves the image by hand from suar wood, carrying on the extraordinary art work of her late father, Nyoman Subrata. This piece of home decor features a most impressive degree of intricacy and detail.

Standing in a relaxed posture atop a lotus flower, the wonderful Ganesha from Hindu scriptures is depicted in this sculpture from Bali. Capturing every small detail with a high degree of precision Wayan Rendah diligently hand-carves the elephant-headed deity from suar wood with a rich natural grain. Ganesha is known as "remover of obstacles," and is a source of guidance, peace, and comfort for many.

Balinese artist Made Pasek Kusuma Wijay chooses to express his plea for world peace in a painting depicting a woman's prayer. "The state of the world is not fine, given the many wars, conflicts between countries and very heartbreaking human tragedies," says the artist. "Let us pray sincerely that the world situation will return to peace as we strive to live a more simple, carefree life with mutual respect and tolerance between our existing differences. Despite the conditions of the world, we always yearn for peace itself.

"Galloping across a surreal mountain landscape, a team of horses carries forward the hope of an entire society from the lofty reality of the highlands to the life of the commoner below. Riding on the back of a bird resembling the Hindu god of strength, Garuda, a faceless woman prays to the divine spirits, having passed through a period of blood and turbulence. Garuda also prays with his human-like hands as if to encourage himself to continue his mission of vigilance.

"Reflected in the grass of the mountains, the woman's prayers mirror above and below the path of the raptor, symbolizing the transverse support from across the country for her mission. A handshake arises from the woman's mind in a floral accord between two immortal parties.

"In a world plagued by conflict and the horrors of violence, the woman's prayer, the subtle handshake and the impressive flight of the god of strength prescribe peace for all of humanity. Realism cannot deliver this humane desire to reality.

"Scaled to surreal proportions, the woman's prayers make multiple appearances in increasing size, while the mighty bird soars above an entire team of horses, with various hands apparent."