This posture is known as the Buddha in meditation or the Dhyani Buddha: the Lord Buddha used to assume this posture when deeply absorbed in meditation. The concentration and peacefulness of spirit is shown by the half-shut eyes, the palms of the hands laying upwards upon each other and a calm expression on his face.

Dhyani Buddha represents the most important moment of Buddha’s life, when he became the Enlightened One. He was compelled by an inner feeling to stop wandering and to search the truth within himself. In that moment he took the decision of meditating upon life. Before being enlightened he remained seated in the padmasana posture under a Banyan tree for six years. He eventually discovered “the light” by descending deep within himself. This icon in soapstone is a careful representation of the Buddha and it could be considered a truthful image of this Great Teacher.