What Does A Buddha Statue Represent? - Synonym - Classroom

Maybe your like

What Does a Buddha Statue Represent?

PARKER JANNEY

29 SEP 2017

CLASS

... Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images

Statues representing the likeness of the Buddha are ubiquitous in the West increasingly touting the traditions of Eastern philosophy. Buddha statues come in every size, from majestic stone sculptures gracing Buddhist temples and Zen gardens, to the palm-sized plastic figurines you find in Chinatown.

Explore this article

Worship
General Meanings
Specific Meanings
Non-Buddhists

1 Worship

Believers of the Abrahamic religions may mistakenly interpret images of the Buddha as proof of idol worship. Buddhists do not assign mystical or divine properties to statues or carvings of the Buddha. In fact, Buddhists do not worship the Buddha at all. Nor is the Buddha deified in the Buddhist tradition. Buddhists do not consider the Buddha to be a god, but rather a human being who sought and achieved enlightenment -- freedom from suffering -- and then bestowed his wisdom upon his followers in the form of teachings. While the Buddha is indeed the founding figurehead of the Buddhist tradition, he is never elevated to the status of a deity. Because Buddhism does not hinge upon a belief in a supreme being or god, it is not considered a religion, but rather a way of life, compatible with other major faith traditions.

2 General Meanings

Buddhists find that gazing upon the image of the Buddha gives them a clear role model in their own paths toward enlightenment. Aspirants gain inspiration as they contemplate the qualities embodied by the Buddha during his lifetime. In societies with no written language, specific teachings and wisdom were conveyed in the rich symbolism present in different statues.

3 Specific Meanings

Buddha statues can be seen sitting or standing, smiling or laughing, and with his hands in a number of different gestures -- called mudras. These postures and gestures all carry different symbolism and relate to different qualities embodied by the Buddha, including grace, balance, compassion, wisdom, determination and courage. Each of these Buddhas also has a unique name. The length of the Buddha's hair, the modesty of his vestments, his size, and the accessories and props with which he is presented are all testaments to the Buddha at different phases in his life.

4 Non-Buddhists

You need not consider yourself a Buddhist to procure a likeness of the Buddha for your home or place of business. The Buddha is recognized as a symbol of peace of mind. Some psychotherapists and alternative healers place statues of the Buddha in their lobbies and waiting rooms to encourage an atmosphere of well-being and calm. A glimpse of the sublime Buddha, with his eyes gently closed and his lips curved into a subtle smile, may provide inspiration to deepen your own practice of inner peace.

references

1 Los Angeles Times; Buddha statues have meaning from head to toe; Janet Eastman

About the Author

Parker Janney is a web developer and writer based in Philadelphia. With a Master of Arts in international politics, she has been ghostwriting for several underground publications since the late 2000s, with works featured in "Virtuoso," the "Philadelphia Anthropology Journal" and "Clutter" magazine.

Is Buddhism a Monotheistic or Polytheistic Religion?

Buddhist Temple Decorating

How Are Shiva Lingam Stones Used?

Hindu God of Creation & Destruction

How to Set Up a Small Buddhist Altar

Meanings of Different Buddha Statues

How to Pray As a Buddhist

How Are Buddhist Statues Used in Worship?

Function of the Tibetan & Buddhist Prayer Wheel

Where Do Buddhist Go to Worship?

What Are the Functions of Prayer Within Buddhism?

What Is the Difference Between Pure Land Sects & Other...

The Meaning of Burning Incense and Ringing Bells in...

What Does the Hindu God Brahma Represent?

What Are the Basic Tenets of the Hindu & Buddhist Faiths?

The Similarities & Differences in Buddhism & Islam

Religions That Don't Allow Men to Cut Their Hair

The Customs of Wicca

What Buddhists Consider Sacred

The Common Elements of the Hindu Faith

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

Classroom
About
Contact

Legal
Accessibility
Terms of Service
Privacy Policy
Copyright Policy
Edit Cookie Consent

Tag » What Does A Buddha Represent