Buddharupa in Sanskrit refers to statues and models of the Buddha and literally means Form of the Awakened One. The term may also be used in reference with images and paintings of the Buddha. In Buddhist temples and homes statues of the Buddha are usually positioned higher the the people and other objects to show respect and reverence. Theravada Buddhists do not worship the Buddha statue or image but show respect for it, whereas Mahayana Buddhists tend to believe that more direct worship of the Buddha image or statue may bring them closer to Enlightenment.

The Buddha's different appearances also have varying meanings.

• Often Buddha statues and images seen in the West is a fat or happy Buddha. This may symbolize the Buddha's later life when he was happy and traveling around northern India instructing disciples. This fat or smiling Buddha is often seen in Chinese Buddhism as there are stories of a Chinese monk who considered himself to embody the Buddha.
• In southeast Asia and India the Buddha is often seen as skinny or emaciated, representing the Buddha's suffering. Japanese Buddha statues are often square and solid.
• In China and Japan statues and images of the Buddha statues may also have an upper body robe as it's considered socially inappropriate for a monk or nun to show the upper arm.
• When the Buddha with short hair this may symbolize when he cut his hair after leaving the riches of his father's royal palace.
• His long earlobes symbolize past wealth when he wore heavy earrings.
• Quite often the Buddha has a protruding head, symbolizing the disconnection between the mind and body, known as Bodhisattva.
• A dot between the eyes represents vision and Enlightenment.
• A tuft of hair growing from the top of the head represents wisdom.

Buddha statues may show the Buddha seated, standing or in a reclining position. The Buddha's positions vary according to the country or region of origin and have different symbolic meanings.

• A Buddha in a sitting position in the lotus position or on lotus leaves may symbolize suffering as the lotus roots are grounded in mud. And, with the leaves pointing upwards to the heavens the lotus leaves may symbolize Enlightenment.
• A standing Buddha may symbolize the Buddha giving blessings with his hands in front of his chest.
• A reclining Buddha may symbolize death and reaching Nirvana.

We've just scratched the surface in learning about the symbolism of Buddhist statues in this article. The following titles may provide wonderful insights for you in pursuing your learning about Buddhism. I have also included some beautiful Happy Buddha statues made of green jade available now on eBay. Of all the Buddha statues these are my favorite!