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Buddhas of the Five Directions |
1. Li-Bu-Wei Buddha (statue with blue robe): This Buddha’s symbolic direction is east. He signifies confidence and fearlessness. The hands are in a mudra of appeasement or consolation. With the daily occurrence of violence and natural disaster around the world, many people find it difficult to face the future. The tranquillity gained from following the Buddha’s way better enables one to remain calm like a mountain unmoved by ravaging elements, one can approach each day without fear. |
 Li Bu Wei |
2. Tuo-Pao Buddha (statue with pink robe): This Buddha symbolises the central direction and represents wealth. The hands are in a mudra of the ceremony of unction. Humans craving for material wants are often a futile exercise. At best, the joy derived from materialism is short-lived. Developing wisdom through following the Buddha’s teachings, however, can attain true wealth and fulfilment. |
 Tuo Pao |
3. Amitabha Buddha (statue with brown robe): This Buddha’s symbolic direction is west and his hands are in a mudra of concentration. He signifies infinite light and boundless life. Amitabha Buddha presides over the Western Pure Land. Praying to Amitabha Buddha improves one’s constitution and increases longevity. With sincere and continued practice of Buddhist principles, upon death one will go to the blissful Western Pure Land to spend each day learning and living the Dharma. |
 Amitabha |
4. Miao-Se-Shen Buddha (statue with white robe): This Buddha’s symbolic direction is south. His hands are in a mudra of touching the ground, which symbolises Sakyamuni Buddha’s resolve to overcome the temptations of Mara and thereby gain supreme enlightenment. He represents beauty and dignity. Most people wish to see and be with beautiful things, and be physically beautiful. The practice of Buddhism cultivates inner beauty and sincerity. This in turn results in a more relaxed and pleasing outward form. |
 Mia Se Shen |
5. Gan-Lu-Wang Buddha (statue with green robe): This Buddha’s symbolic direction is north. He signifies calmness and purity. His hands are in a mudra of casting out fear. This gesture derives from an incident in which Devadatta, Sakyamuni Buddha’s jealous and evil cousin, who set a charging elephant loose upon him. Without fear, the Buddha calmly sat down and caused the beast to stop and kneel before him. Like a charging elephant, life’s problems can overtake the mind. In the interest of survival, one must seek escape. Unfortunately, running away offers only temporary respite and is not a true solution to life. The teachings of the Buddha can purify and calm the mind so that former problems no longer seem so wildly out of control. |
 Gan Lu Wang |
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Buddhism 
