Buddha Statues & Gestures: September Exhibition at Skiptvet Library
Updated: Sep 24
Featuring: The Buddha Holding the Alms-Bowl Posture (Receiving Alms) — A symbol of the Buddha's compassionate action to bless humanity and all living beings, the traditional practice of almsround.
Continuing our journey through Buddhist art and teachings, Skiptvet Monastery and Skiptvet Library are delighted to invite you to explore our exhibition for the month of September, we feature the The Buddha Holding the Alms-Bowl Posture (Receiving Alms). It stands as a profound symbol representing the Buddha's compassion in redeeming the world and offering spiritual blessings to the public.
Understanding the Physical Characteristics: The Buddha Holding the Alms-Bowl Posture
Anatomy of the Buddha Holding the Alms-Bowl Posture
The Buddha image is in a standing posture (or seated cross-legged), with the body held upright in a peaceful and serene manner.
Hands: Both hands gently hold and support an alms-bowl around the waist level.
Posture: Standing in a calm and dignified posture, demonstrating the graceful movement of collecting alms.
Origin and the Blessing of the Royal Relatives
When the Supreme Buddha visited his royal relatives in Kapilavastu and preached the Vessantara Jātaka for them to hear, the royal relatives paid their respects and returned to their residences. None of them invited the Buddha for the morning meal the following day, assuming that the Buddha would naturally partake of his meal at the royal palace.
By the next morning, the Buddha knew through his divine insight that all past Buddhas, upon visiting the royal city of their father, would walk to collect alms according to ancient Buddha tradition to bless the people. The Buddha therefore went out to receive alms in accordance with this timeless tradition.
This graceful procession to bless living beings was the very first time the people of Kapilavastu witnessed the Buddha carrying an alms-bowl. It brought immense joy and reverence to all who saw him. This historical event in the Buddha's life inspired the Buddhist community to create the Buddha image known as the "The Buddha Holding the Alms-Bowl Posture."
Dhamma Contemplation
Revering the Buddha image in the Alms-Bowl Posture is not merely about praying for material abundance, but serves as a reminder for Buddhists to reflect upon the Buddha’s deeds and apply them to daily life:
The True Intention of Almsround:
Collecting alms is not begging; rather, it is an opportunity for generous individuals to abandon stinginess and cultivate merit through giving (dāna). The monastic discipline (Vinaya) establishes clear guidelines to prevent monks from troubling donors, while maintaining refined manners during almsround to inspire faith and reverence. This practice gives the public the opportunity to behold a monastic—entering upon the supreme blessing known as "Samaṇānañca dassanaṃ" (Beholding the monks is a noble blessing).
Right Livelihood and Humble Interdependence:
The alms-bowl represents the pure livelihood of the monastic order. The act of receiving alms reflects simplicity, freedom from pride, and openness to let others share in spiritual wholesome deeds. Contemplating this principle reminds us to engage in Right Livelihood with humility and to receive from others with deep gratitude.
Cultivating Mindfulness and Present Awareness (Satipaṭṭhāna):
The upright posture of holding the alms-bowl serenely serves as a reflection of mental stability, sense-restraint (indriya-saṃvara), and acting with full awareness (sati-sampajañña) in every movement.
Loving-Kindness and Selfless Dedication:
Walking to bless the public through receiving alms represents the Buddha's great compassion (mahā-karuṇā), encouraging all beings to cultivate generosity, selflessness, and the release of selfishness (macchariya).
Cultural Beliefs and Traditional Associations
Birthday Buddha Image:
The Alms-Bowl Posture is designated as the Buddha image for those born on Wednesday (Daytime).
📍 Location: Skiptvet Library, Storveien 31A, 1816 Skiptvet
📅 Date: 1 – 30 September 2026
🕒 Opening Hours*:
Monday: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Tuesday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Thursday: 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Join us to explore the deep symbolism and peace behind these sacred gestures.
*Please visit the Skiptvet Library website for the latest updates.
