Are Buddhists offended by those little Buddha statues that you can buy?

Question

I'm slowly addopting Buddhism as my religion and I was wondering if Buddhists were offended by those little Buddha statues?

I wouldn't be offended if non-christians wore crosses because I'm not Christian...

I took an Eastern religions class and I sort of remember hearing something about it.

I'm not going to use it as decoration lol. As a reminder of how beautiful the world can be and how beautiful people are, nature... sometimes I forget!

and they don't pray to Buddha, dummy.

Answer 1

Buddhists vary widely in their beliefs. But many Buddhists believe that it is good to see "Buddha" in every statue, every temple (and every person). But keep in mind that Buddha himself pointed out repeatedly that he was not a god and was not to be worshipped.

Answer 2

I do realize that I'm posting to a thread that's half a decade old, but very important information hasn't been added to this and most of you don't appear to understand what you're talking about. In Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism the statues represent different stages of the Buddha's life. There are over 100 different poses and each pose represents a different phase of the path the Buddha took to attaining enlightenment. They are not worshiped! In classical times they were used to communicate to the community the purpose of a specific shrine or monastery; a specific pose would indicate medicine, another protection, another meditation, and do on. The "fat Buddha" is actually not Buddha, it is a depiction of a Chinese Buddhist monk named Ho-tai, he was famous for spreading Buddhism into China. The Ho-tai statue has come to represent the Buddhist symbol for prosperity, and you will see this statue mostly in places of business. The Tipitaka school of Buddhism views these statues as "spiritual mediums", and advises to abstain from owning them or any other "trinkets" that may be viewed as "charmed". Tipitaka is a more superstitious form of Buddhism that believes that "spiritual mediums" block energies and distress spirits that protect us; they believe these items should be dispelled or destroyed. In Japanese Zen Buddhism these statues are used to draw personal energies out in a Zen practice known as Feng Shui; the statues will be placed in specific parts of the house facing specific directions to focus energies and in the house and in anyone that views them. They burn incense and place offering around them to promote good luck, or to help clear the mind for meditation. Buddhism is a religion that doesn't condone or condemn adding or removing anything from the core belief system; consequently this means that many different cultures have adapted their own practices, rituals, and superstitions to the religion. This means that there are numerous different types of Buddhist groups each with it's own set of practices. The core teachings of the Buddha state that nothing has any meaning at all unless you give it meaning. It also states that by giving these things meaning you are not doing anything wrong, but you are also not really do anything right. Whatever steps it takes you to reach the goal of enlightenment are yours to take and choose from...

Answer 3

No, I'm not. I am studying Buddhism, too. Are you offended? They are just likeness of our hero, Gautamo Buddha. I don't worship/adore a little statue, I just look at him and smile since he was such a wise and terrific guy. Sorta like a poster of a movie star or a singer we like. Buddha is not a god, just a good man.
I have an Eeyore watch I look at several times a day. Does that mean I worship him?

Answer 4

I thoughts that having a statue of Buddha was like a good deed? I don't think they'd be offended by it any more than Christians are offended by paintings of Jesus.

Answer 5

Nope--- you should see whats available from the monks in front of the GREAT BUDDHA Shrine (statue) in Japan.

Bottle openers, Letter Openers, Golfing Buddha, Tennis Buddha, etc.
all being sold by monks in selling kiosks..............quite a shock for me as a Buddhist student.

Answer 6

No...the little Buddha statues are really a Buddha himself. If he is consider a Buhhda, there is no reason to be offended. i forgot to mention that the little Buhhda is for good luck...good luck in adapting...

Answer 7

No. In fact, I suggest you buy one!
You might as well read some of Thich Nhat Hanh's book, like Living Buddha, Living Christ. Or, Peace is Every Step.

Answer 8

Buddha himself was an Hindu.Hindus thinks that Buddha is Hindu lord and Buddhist thinks Buddha is their lord .that's why they both respect him. that little Buddha statues are from happiness,love peace.and one thing i want to tell you that they hate war.they are more peaceful than other religions.Buddhist are divided in two parts or two ways Mahayana and Hinayana. Mahayana's love statues and prays just like Hinduism and Hinayana's love to read holy books that's why they believe in holy books more than Buddha.but Mahayana's love prayers. Mahayana's are in most parts of India and Tibet most of them living in hills. and Hinayana's live in south east Asia,japan and china.in 12 BC it was divided in Mahayana and Hinayana.

Answer 9

buddhism should be taken as teachings. dont take it too seriously. the little statues aare souvenirs. they dont mean anyhting. alhtough if u are in a temple.... and im not offended so eh.

Answer 10

Well wouldn't you be offended if non-Christian wore around crosses?