Buddha with the Chalice of Wisdom. 2004

“The symbol of the Cup has been a statement of Service since ancient times. The gifts of the Higher Powers are collected in the Chalice. They give from the Chalice. The symbol of the Cup always meant self-sacrifice. Bearing the Cup is the Feat of Bearing. Each high deed can be symbolized by the symbol of the Chalice. Everything that is highest for the good of humanity needs this sign. The Chalice of the Grail and the Chalice of the Heart, which has given itself to the Great Service, is the very Cosmic Magnet. The Heart of the Cosmos is reflected in this great symbol. All images of heroes of the spirit can be depicted as carrying the Cup.” Fiery World. Part III, paragraph 49.

The image of Buddha contains the greatest compassion, sacrifice and mercy for the world. The Buddha is depicted in the “vajra” or “lotus” pose; there is no traditional throne under the Buddha, he sits directly on the ground. In the hands of the Blessed One is the Fiery Chalice. The sculpture of the Blessed One conveys the power of the spirit of enlightened consciousness, radiates the fire of purity, peace, and harmony. The sculptor manages to convey the state of the Teacher’s blessing, his bestowal on the world of knowledge and a great energy message. The Buddha’s cup is miraculous and inexhaustible – it is the cup of life. The Buddha is depicted by the sculptor with great love and deep awareness of the greatness of the spiritual Image. The image of Buddha, along with the images of Jesus Christ and the Great Mother of the World, are fundamental in the work of A. Leonov.

N.K. Roerich wrote in “The Heart of Asia”: “Bow the cup to Buddha, and you will be in the cup as in a vessel of knowledge.” “Whoever gives the cup to the Buddha will not be left with either memory or wisdom.”

Reference: The Great Buddha lived in the 6th century BC. Prince Siddhartha Gautama was the son of a king, brought up in luxury, sophistication, music, received an excellent education, but from an early age he showed extraordinary compassion for everything around him. When the prince turned 16 years old, according to the customs of his time, he got married and had a son. But personal happiness could not satisfy Gautama’s fiery, aspiring heart, which responded to every grief. He left his family, his kingdom and devoted his entire long life to helping people, liberating the world from suffering and ignorance. He lived in poverty, and in hunger, and among monks, humbly enduring slander and suffering. Gradually he became familiar with the Higher Knowledge and began to carefully give his Teaching to prepared students. The Buddha gave the world the knowledge of great matter and evolution, spoke out against caste and class advantages, affirmed the value of work for the Common Good without attachment to its results, laid the foundation of the community, preached the renunciation of personal property and the need for moral purity. His Teaching contributed to the emancipation of women. Buddha’s mission on planet Earth is very high.