I understand that one of the main teachings of Buddha is not to have religious idols. However, in every temple there are idols of Buddha. I´m really interested in understanding if I am wrong in my understanding of this concept and would appreciate some clarification.
Thanks
2006-08-18 23:40:45 · 7 answers · asked by starfish 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It is not the main teaching of Buddhism and not a Buddhism teaching at all for that matter.
If we missed our girlfriend or parents we look at their photographs so as to recall some fond memories. Since there was no painting of Buddha and no one therefore know how he had looked, Buddhism uses various postures of Buddhist statutes to identify him to serve as a recall of his great teachings and demonstration of respects, reverence and gratefulness by doing homage or prostrations in front of his statutes (or idols if you like that word).
Other religions uses the same manner of symbols to represent their faith. Christians the cross, hindus theirs many god statutes, islam their crescent moon, etc. Some don't bother with any.
Take care.
2006-08-19 01:01:48 · answer #1 · answered by SK 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
:)
No - there is no such thing in Buddhism as not to worship statues - why Buddha allowed statue worship is for the human mind to have a visual image to concentrate and meditate on. Also all Deva's pictures, Statues etc. is not for worship but for aesthetic value. World over the face of Buddha is the same ya ? Though Mahayana Buddhism might have Laughing Buddha with a big tummy - But the statue of Buddha is considered a calming thing to see by any person immaterial of that persons belief - that is the value of meditation it brings to you !
2006-08-18 23:50:21 · answer #2 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is NOT one of the main teachings of Buddha to not have religious idols.
2006-08-18 23:46:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as i know Buddhism contains no mention of idolatry. Buddha isn't a god, but a man (Siddhartha) a prince who supposedly saw signs as a child and devoted his life to attaining nirvana (enlightenment) on earth, and did which allowed him to escape the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth... Someone please correct me if I'm wrong. Buddha statues are merely reminders of this achievement, they are not prayed to or worshiped in any way.
2006-08-19 00:01:03 · answer #4 · answered by ChooseRealityPLEASE 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-29 10:44:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buddha was God Himself Who came to cheat atheists. He told them, "There is no God. Just follow Me, and you will achieve perfection." But He was God Himself! In this smart way He made even the atheists to follow God.
2006-08-18 23:50:25 · answer #6 · answered by H. B 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The edict against idolatry is part of Islam, not Buddhism.
2006-08-18 23:48:13 · answer #7 · answered by ArgumentativeButNotInsulting 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋