People want their homes to be vibrant, plush or simple depending on their taste. However, having a peaceful home where you can get a good night’s sleep is an universal desire. Peace is a state of mind that is directly linked to the energy of the space we live in. Buddha statues are one of the icons that help to bring in peace and harmony. The the question arises, where to keep Buddha statue in the house and why?

The image of Gautam Buddha, the harbinger of Buddhism, has inspired art and sculpture for centuries. But with time, Buddha has transcended his role as a religious icon and become symbolic with inner peace. The image of Buddha is now both secular and versatile in terms of appeal. However, few people actually know the significance of the different poses of Buddha. And where where to place them for the best results.

Here is a guide to attract positive chi/qi (roughly translates to vital life force of an entity from Chinese) by placing the different forms of Buddha in your home.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 1: Blessing or Protection Buddha

This pose of Buddha seated with one hand raised in a blessing gesture has two meanings, and they are interrelated. The first is protection where the raised hand acts as a shield to keep out negativity and danger. The second meaning is overcome fear to be at peace with oneself. Being protected helps us overcome fear, which is an emotion that restricts our life.

Where to put these: You can place this form of Buddha facing the main entrance of a home to keep disruptive elements at bay.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 2: Reclining or Nirvana Buddha

The reclining or sleeping pose of Buddha is one of the most poignant ones; it depicts the last moments of Gautam Buddha’s mortal life before he achieved Nirvana or freedom from the cycle of rebirth. However, it is not meant to induce gloom; in fact, the reclining Buddha is supposed to be an encouragement to people for seeking internal harmony.

Where to put these: This form of Buddha must always face West to represent his imminent death and should recline to the right.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 3: Meditating Buddha

If its inner peace you seek, the meditative pose of Buddha is for you. In this pose, Buddha is seen sitting with his legs folded, face up and hands lying on the lap. Buddha’s eyes are fully or partially closed as he is deep in meditation.

Where to put these: Meditation Buddha idols can be placed at any quiet corner of the house. Ideally, where you can sit down to meditate or just relax. You can also light candles or incense sticks to create an aura of serenity.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 4: Calling the Earth to Witness or Bhumisparsha Buddha

This pose of Buddha is by far the most popular and most symbolic as it represents the moment of Buddha’s enlightenment. Gautam Buddha had been meditating for years when the demon Mara tried to tempt and scare him. But Buddha overcame the temptation and touched the ground to summon the Earth Goddess to witness his enlightenment.

Where to put these: This form of Buddha must be kept facing East, where the sun rises. It represents eternal knowledge.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 5: Praying Buddha

Buddha with his hands folded in prayer represents devotion and faith. This form of Buddha is ideal for your altar or pooja room. Ideally, you can light a lamp or candle around a praying Buddha. This helps the energy of fire to sync with the positivity emanating from the idol.

Where to put these: Never place Buddha artefacts below the eye level. Looking down on the great spiritual teacher is considered disrespectful.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 6: Outdoor or Garden Buddha

Your balcony or garden can also be an suitable location for a Buddha statue, especially if you unwind in this outdoor space.

Where to put these: It is best to place an outdoor Buddha in or close to a water body and in the vicinity of a flowering plant to represent spiritual growth and rejuvenation.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 7: Buddha Bust

The bust or head of Buddha is not traditionally a pose; it does not have any historical significance associated with the life of Gautam Buddha. But it is gaining momentum mainly as an art form. It is generally accepted that the head of Buddha symbolises his self-knowledge.

Where to put these: As this is a relatively contemporary artistic rendition of Buddha, there are no hard and fast rules for placement. However, places with challenging energy such as bathroom, laundry rooms and storerooms are off limits.

Where to Keep Buddha Statue in the House 8: Laughing Buddha

First things first, Laughing Buddha or Ho Tai as he is called in Chinese, is not the same as Gautam Buddha. He is in fact a Chinese monk who was a patron saint of children, much like Santa Claus. He has bags laden with gifts for the little ones. Moreover, he’s often depicted with five children on him. Laughing Buddha is sometimes confused with Gautam Buddha, but there is no harm done as the prior is also a beacon of positivity and prosperity.

Where to put these: East is the lucky direction for a home and that is where these adorable idols should be placed.

The position of Buddha is somewhat iconic when it comes to home decor and spirituality; he is a deity but his following is not restricted by religion. You can consider these idols like art, and they also infuse your home with serenity and positivity.