Sake Burning Buddha Candle

19cm, rapeseed wax with paraffin, 30 hour slow burn

This candle is inspired by the Zen Buddhist koan, “if you meet the Buddha, kill him.” The koan reminds us that Buddha-nature comes from within oneself, not something external.

The inevitable melting of a lit candle is a symbol that embodies the transience of physical existence - “form is emptiness and emptiness is form.”

A coin of wisdom is revealed after the candle has burnt down. The wisdom your candle has in store for you is decided by chance.

The candle design can be seen as a fresh and contemporary expression of Buddhist teachings - be it the discovery of one's own Buddha nature, letting go, the transience of reality - or none of it.

Made with love in Hamburg.