Happy Birthday Buddha

By Chris Frey
April 8, 2010

Born Siddhartha Gautama, Buddha, as he is known the world over, is thought to have lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent between the 4th and 6th centuries BCE. Though the date of his birth is largely disputed, it is generally observed in the spring, with different countries celebrating on different days ever year, primarily following the lunar calendar.

In Japan, however, Buddha's birthday is honored every year on April 8th. On this day, called the Hanamatsuri, or "Flower Festival," people bring fresh flowers to temples in remembrance of Buddha's birth in a grove of blossoming trees.

Called the "Enlightened One" or "Awakened One, Buddha was, of course, a spiritual teacher who taught liberatiion from suffering and was the founder of the Buddhist religion. His likeness is depicted in many forms— the fat and laughing Buddha depicted in Chinese folklore, with a moustache, seated in meditation, dressed as a warrior or even symbolized in the form of a Dharma wheel.

A search for "Buddha" on eBay yields over 38,000 listings. His likeness appears in a wide array of merchandise, from silver-plated rings and charms beginning at a mere penny to a rare $300,000 bronze miniature. Of course, with plenty of mass-produced “got buddha?” bumper stickers and “Buddha is My Homeboy” t-shirts in the mix, there’s plenty of Buddha kitsch to be had. But we feel that today, on his birthday, Buddha deserves better. So we sought out items befitting of the man and the teachings that have influenced so many for so very long.

1. 14K Gold and Gem Buddhist Temple Pendant (buy it now price, $349.00) A unique addition to a group of charms, this miniature temple is so special it can stand alone on a beautiful chain.

2. New Cloisonné Buddha Incense Burner (buy it now price, $1,299.00) Stunning handiwork elevates this incense burner to a display worthy work of art

3. 14K Gold and Jade Buddha Ring (buy it now price, $298.00) Pale jade Buddha rests delicately in 14K gold prong with an adjustable band.

4. Buddhist Boddhi Tree Painting (buy it now price, $259.95) The animals and peaceful blue makes this a perfect piece for the nursery of child’s room.

5. Wood & Sons Buddha Platter (buy it now price, $99.00) A lovely pattern and quality workmanship from British Wood and Sons.

6. Buddhist Prayer Beads (buy it now price, $149.95) Malachite beads and Sandalwood and finished with a pretty mix of fine colored threads.

7. New 18K Gold and Coral Buddha Cufflinks (buy it now price, $1,300) For the collector or the man who likes to push the fashion boundaries and isn’t afraid to spend for it.

8. New Ceramic Buddha Piggy Bank (buy it now price, $2.25) A happy orange Buddha that will help teach kids to save their pennies.

9. New Brass Buddhist Meditation Bowl (buy it now price, $67.85) The woods handles complement the brass finish and are part of a mediation ritual as well.

10. Amulet Tibetan Buddha Prayer Box (buy it now price, $659.99) Stunning colored stones create the effect of textured stained glass on this beautiful prayer box.

11. Rare Bone and Silver Buddha Knife (buy it now price, $199.95) This one of a kind intricately carved bone and metal knife is great for display or in addition to a collection.

12. New Ceramic Buddha Sugar Bowls (buy it now price, $70.00) Little laughing Buddha’s playfully adorn the tops of these rich brown bowls.

A freelance editor who recently relocated to Austin from New York, Chris Frey previously served as the Fashion Market Director at Cookie and the Accessories Director at Lucky.

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