For many of us the last few years has meant extra time at home. The chance to give the place a facelift and our gardens some love. For many others, it has meant working from and spending more time at home.

So whether you’re in need of a calming influence, peace of mind and a better night’s sleep, or simply the finishing touch to your home, you can rely on a Buddha statue to bring serenity and tranquility into your life. 

Yet which way should your Buddha statue face? What difference does his posture or hand gesture make? And is it possible to get it wrong? This week we are looking at how to harness the positive influence of the Buddha by making sure he’s placed in the optimal spot and facing the right direction. So let’s get started. 

Never look down on the Buddha 

Two rules everyone seems to agree on are, first, never place Buddha below eye level. Looking down on the great spiritual teacher is considered disrespectful. Second, don’t place your Buddha statue in the same room as the toilet (if you’re needing a strong positive influence here, a better bet might be your local pharmacy). 

Your Buddha statue should be in a place you go to relax and rebalance your emotions and where your presence is therefore strong. That is where your Buddha will exert the most influence. Integrate your Buddha with your lifestyle - why not keep one in the car? And, according to the Feng Shui experts, the larger your Buddha, the better. 

For happiness and prosperity 

Because who doesn’t want that? Opt for a Laughing Buddha and all the good stuff he attracts if you have a space that needs a focal point. A Laughing Buddha statue will be content anywhere. Just remember he likes to look east, facing the sunrise. 

Protect yourself from negativity
Head disruptive influences off at the pass, literally, by positioning a protective Buddha indoors facing the main entrance. This Buddha is seated, with one or both hands raised as if it were a shield, and an exhortation to overcome fear and be at peace. He attracts positive en- ergy or ‘chi’, and repels negative forces. Best to set this Buddha statue on a surface at least two-and-a-half feet off the ground. 

Deep clean 

Occasionally it’s too late. Those negative forces slipped past the gatekeeper and have already set up shop. Time for some deep cleansing. This is a job for the Teaching Buddha whose little finger and forefinger are raised like horns, with thumb and two middle fingers touching (a gesture familiar to metal fans!). But be sure to place this statue where the bad energy is, not facing the front door where guests would expect a warmer welcome. 

The heart of the matter 

For your living and dining areas, or in a spot facing the main entrance, you need the Buddha who exudes warmth and self-confidence, his hands held close to the chest (by the heart) with palms facing inwards. This Buddha greets another human being with the utmost respect and adoration for the Divine in us all. And with confidence in the self we are stronger, better communicators. We “speak from the heart”. 

Focus on teaching success 

A Buddha statue on a desk or somewhere it can be seen when you - or your children - are working, attracts positive energy to bring success. Choose a Buddha who is forming a circle with the thumb and index finger, which symbolises the continual energy of the cosmic order. This is the Wheel of Law, the energy of teaching and intellectual discussion, and the transmission of knowledge unimpeded by fear. 

Buddha au naturel 

Setting a Buddha statue in a corner of the garden instantly provides a focal point and gives the space an air of serenity. A reclining Buddha would be very at home here. The reclining or sleeping Buddha is an encouragement to people for seek internal harmony. Place this Buddha statue near water and plants that represent growth and rejuvenation, but make sure he is reclining to the right and facing west. 

Meditation situation 

A Buddha with his hands folded in prayer represents devotion and faith, perfect for the room where you go to be still. Light candles to help the energy of fire synchronise with this Buddha’s positivity. Or you could choose the Buddha who likes quiet corners. He sits with his legs folded, hands lying on his lap, his eyes fully or partially closed, deep in meditation. 

Harness high energy 

For places that see a lot of spiritual activity, choose a Buddha statue who represents 

supreme enlightenment. Both hands are placed at the heart, index fingers touching and pointing upwards, the other eight fingers intertwined. This gesture evoke unshaken unity within oneself in aligning with the One source. Hold this Buddha for a couple minutes and sense the subtle shift of energy in your body. 

A heads-up 

Did you know that although the bust or head of the Buddha is not traditionally a pose and therefore has no historical significance, its popularity as an art form means it is generally accepted that the head of Buddha symbolises self-knowledge? 

Don’t forget... There’s a Buddha for everybody. Head over here to view our collection of Buddha Statues and find yours.