I have always wanted to buy one for my home but was told years ago it is unlucky to buy it myself. Would it still count as unlucky if my husband bought me it or would it have to be from someone I don't live with?
2006-12-21 08:59:26 · 13 answers · asked by TB 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Bought one two summers ago never looked back since, luck is what you make it.
2006-12-21 13:15:42 · answer #1 · answered by JETT 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It can never be unlucky to buy a statue of a Buddha for your home.
The idea of a statue of Buddha ( Gautama Siddhartha or Hotei, the laughing Buddha) is for practising Buddhists (though not particularly Zen practitioners) to venerate the Buddha via lighting a candle or incense, if one does not meditate, then to help one in contemplation.
Buddhism rejects superstition or illogical thoughts generally as we believe in the law of cause and effect.
I think that it is really nice that you would consider having the image of the Buddha in your home for it is a sign of you welcoming Buddhist principles on life.
Whoever told you this superstition was misleading you whether they were a Buddhist or non-Buddhist.
So whether you or your husband buy the statue, no bad luck will come from such an act, only blessings from the Buddha lands.
But why not also buy a good book on Buddhism and understand the principles of the Dharma.
2006-12-22 09:30:22 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on whether you're a Buddhist or not. Even if you are it is perfectly acceptable for your husband to buy it for you.
Buddhists don't buy statues of the Buddha, (they're called rupas). It's a matter of respect.
As a Buddhist I don't really like seeing rupas used just as ornaments, any more than Christians probably like crucifixes being used like that. But it's nice if you have one and treat it with respect.
If you rub a chinese Buddha's tummy for luck, (they're the fat ones), you'll wait a very long time for the luck to come.
2006-12-22 02:42:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not bad luck but read on...
Before buying a statue, you should know why you need one, how you will use it, and what it really means to you. You shouldn't buy a statue just because it is the traditional thing to do as a Buddhist.
It may sound funny, but the first thing you should check when buying a statue is whether or not it is a Buddhist statue. Many Hindu deities look similar and can be confused with Buddhist images. Hand mudras (gestures) can help in identification.
If your statue is made of a precious metal such as silver or gold, there is special benefit if it is bought with the proper intention. (This is true for many ritual objects, including water bowls, butter lamps and mandala sets.) It should not be considered a possession or something you bought because it is an antique, but instead as a way to offer the best of the best. By using an object made of a precious metal, then you are offering the precious substance at the same time.
In the Tibetan tradition, statues, stupas and prayer wheels are filled with mantras and holy substances. Depending on where the statue is made, it may not be appropriate for filling. Chinese, Japanese and Thai statues, for instance, are not usually designed to be filled and may be made of porcelain or solid stone. Look for a statue made in India or Nepal and make sure it can be filled.
Before buying a statue, you should know why you need one, how you will use it, and what it really means to you. You shouldn't buy a statue just because it is the traditional thing to do as a Buddhist.
It may sound funny, but the first thing you should check when buying a statue is whether or not it is a Buddhist statue. Many Hindu deities look similar and can be confused with Buddhist images. Hand mudras (gestures) can help in identification.
In the Tibetan tradition, statues, stupas and prayer wheels are filled with mantras and holy substances. Depending on where the statue is made, it may not be appropriate for filling. Chinese, Japanese and Thai statues, for instance, are not usually designed to be filled and may be made of porcelain or solid stone. Look for a statue made in India or Nepal and make sure it can be filled.
A statue may look like a traditional Tibetan Buddhist statue that has already been filled and sealed. Be careful - it may be sealed but is really empty inside. The same is true for prayer wheels. Trying to open them to check inside can destroy the object. Ask if it has mantras inside or if it is empty.
It says in the Buddhist texts that keeping an empty statue in the home for a long time, means your fortune (energy, health, material things, long life, health, friendships, etc.) will decrease. There are great benefits for the body, speech and mind in filling a statue. Filling it completes the body, speech and mind of the Buddha by helping to transform how you see the statue. The enlightened body is the statue itself; the statue is not just a shell. Enlightened speech is inside when mantras are added. Speech is the real dharma that will transform people's minds. The enlightened mind depends on each person. Geshe Gelek says, "The statue possesses something which inspires your positive mind while reciting prayers, meditating, etc."
The process of having a statue filled connects a person to the statue. Traditionally, a person who needed a statue filled would participate in the process by inviting a monk to fill and bless the statue. By talking to the monk who explains the dharma, it makes a connection with the statue. The connection is through the dharma and the blessing ceremony. In the West, since there are fewer monks, Westerners might participate in the filling process by rolling mantras and helping the monks. It is one way to generate merit - through a lot of work and patience!
2006-12-21 17:07:28 · answer #4 · answered by psych student 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've never heard of such a thing. I own several buddhas. and come to think of it, I haven't bought any of them. My husband has. hah. but I wouldn't buy into that. Buddhism wouldn't support the ideas of lucky or unlucky.
2006-12-21 17:06:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How is it unlucky. Its just the opposite you buy the "Buddha" has you put it and rub his tummy for good luck.
So i say go buy it yourself. But if your a little superstitious go ahead and let your husband buy it.
2006-12-21 17:03:20 · answer #6 · answered by skatingasian13 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Superstition. Having a Buddha around can help to chill you out, though. Psych Student is an idiot.
2006-12-23 10:28:17 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not unlucky to buy one for yourself. If you are superstitious put it on your Christmas list.
2006-12-21 17:06:44 · answer #8 · answered by ANSWER MY QUESTION!! 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a small collection of Buddhas about 16 .mostly bought for me .i just think their cool!!!
2006-12-21 17:21:59 · answer #9 · answered by timbo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's silly. I've bought many buddhas for myself.
FP
2006-12-21 17:05:51 · answer #10 · answered by F. Perdurabo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋