It is an enlivening time for us over here at Garden Ponds Nursery in Kilauea, as we unload and unpack our first 40-foot container from Indonesia since before the pandemic began (deep exhale).
Countless hours of communicating with our carvers, packing, loading, shipping across the Pacific Ocean and finally, unloading, has resulted in an abundance of statues – especially Buddha’s – to pick from right here on the north shore of Kaua’i!
From hand-carved stone pieces to cast concrete of all sizes and shapes, we have something to suit every space and budget. Here are some tips for how to choose a statue that enhances your garden, home, or business. But first,
Why do we bring statues from Indonesia?
After having travelled to Thailand, Bali and Indonesia, owners, Ken, Jan and Jake Bernard felt inspired to bring the magic found in the rich array of curated outdoor spaces to Kaua’i, which often included statues or deities, beautifully placed amidst lush greenery, fountains and water gardens. Something that resonated deeply here on Kaua’i. They have since worked on bringing potent doses of Taksu, a life force energy found in art that ‘touches you at the center of your being’, to Kaua’i. It is an honor to bring these pieces, steeped in Taksu, to their sacred resting places on Kauai. These statues can transform any space into something intentionally joyous, contemplative, prayerful, mindful, protective, inspiring, whimsical or anything you desire to create.
Choice Materials: Stone, Concrete or Paros
The first thing to consider is what the statue is made of. Our three main options are stone, concrete, and Paros (a mixture of pumice, lava, and concrete). Stone statues are hand-carved, making them completely unique. Each arc and curve of a stone statue is formed at the hands of a master-carver. Stone carvings have a smooth or rough stone finish, and others have a sleek dark ‘stain’. The skilled carving process is reflected in the higher valuation.
Concrete statues are made from pre-shaped molds and finished with concrete dye. These statues tend to be ‘tried and true’ designs that can be replicated and have the staying power of time. Much lighter weight, these pieces are easier to transport and place in your garden. These statues are more affordable due to their streamlined production process.
Paros tends to be the choice material for vessels. Since the vessels are porous, they make excellent rain chain catchments, that can beautifully moss over with time in the right conditions. Since Paros is both stone and concrete together, it has an intriguing duality of a having a ‘raw’ texture, but a ‘finished’ shape.
Finding the right location
Since we have such a great selection of Buddhas in this shipment, we thought we would offer some tips on choosing a location and a style of a Buddha statue for your space:
- The area where you place your Buddha should be kept clean and uncluttered.
- Never place a Buddha statue in a bathroom, kitchen or near a toilet.
- Avoid placing Buddha statues near machinery with moving parts or electrical outlets, as this will interfere with the energy flow around the piece.
- Try to elevate your Buddha to at least eye level or higher. If placing on the ground, elevate at least on a hill, pedestal, or paver.
- To bring abundance into your home, face the Buddha towards your house.
- Try to place the Buddha facing east towards the sunrise.
A Buddha that is right for you: Some of the styles
Meditation Buddha: The Buddha sits in the Lotus position with both hands in his lap, face up and eyes closed. Place this statue in your meditation room or corner, or a quiet sitting place in your garden.
Happy Buddha: Usually depicted smiling with a rounded belly and bald head, some say you can rub the Buddha’s belly for good luck.
Reclining (or Nirvana) Buddha: This is believed to represent the dying Buddha, lying on his right side, waiting to enter Nirvana.
Anjali Buddha: This Buddha will have his palms together at the heart, in a silent, reverent greeting.
Long after we are gone, these statues will remain, telling a story of the cross-pollination of art and admiration throughout the Pacific Islands: Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. What will your story be?
Garden Ponds is located in Kilauea, next to the Kauai Mini Golf. We are open Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Give us a call at 808-828-6400
