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I received a small, 3.5", bronze amulet of a Buddha image. I was told the statue would bring me good fortune and protection. Being ignorant of the care of such holy artifacts, I was wondering if someone could tell me of any special care this amulet should be given?

2007-01-20 04:55:21 · 9 answers · asked by Shawn H 1 in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

I have no plans to worship the image of buddha! I was told the amulet was blessed by a Thai Buddhist Monk and would bring the owner good fortune and protection. I just happen to like the color and details of the amulet and want to treat the image with the respect any religious relic deserves.

2007-01-20 11:59:44 · update #1

9 answers

Thank you for being a person who will seek answers to things that you are unsure of. I am a Buddhist and I appreciate those who ask questions rather than attack like many other people who posted answers here.

Since it is an amulet and not a statue you can place it anywhere in your house. You can wear it on your neck with a red string. That is what people typically do with them. The red string reminds you of the "blood line" of the Buddha and how we all have the potential of becoming a Buddha within us.

Any image of a Buddha should be placed above the floor. Don't ever set it on the floor; also keep the bottom of your feet from pointing towards it (this is the same rule in a temple). Even though it is a material object it does need to be treated with respect because it has the picture or likeness of the Buddha. (I would be interested to know which Buddha it is, there are many of them contrary to what people believe).

You can learn about Buddhism with out giving up your other religion. We encourage it. There is a book called "That's Funny you don’t look Buddhist” about a woman who balances being Jewish and Buddhist.

I noticed that people on here were very critical of being a Buddhist or having Buddhist images in your house... this is very sad. They said some very hurtful things. I wish them the ability to act with loving kindness and not hatred. As I would never tell them to throw out a picture or replica or statue or anything representing their religion.


An added fact Buddha was never and will never be a god. He was a monk and a teacher, a man no more no less. Buddhist will ever refer to him as a god. In Buddhism we do not believe in creator gods.

I wish you the best and hope this helps

Svaha

2007-01-21 14:36:41 · answer #1 · answered by akholler 3 · 0 0

While a statue of the Buddha is just a statue, if you're using the statue as a "tool" to develop yourself as an altruistic human being and wisdom, one should not put it on the floor, expect "miracles" from it being around, turn the soles of your feet towards it or put it in a place where you step over it etc.

The statues aren't for "fortune" or "protection". The statue is just a statue... an image of a man. There's no magick associated with it... as a matter of fact it is taught that the Buddha's WORDS, (i.e. the Dharma) is infinitely MORE precious than the Buddha's "body".

Hope this helps you understand a bit better. We Buddhists maintain the image to help us focus our minds, a sort of tool with which we give "respect" and gratitude to the Buddhas who have taught us how to transcend suffering. If my statue gets fried in a fire I'm not going to lose fortune or have a conniption... does this make some sense? LOL It's not an object of worship.

_()_

2007-01-20 11:29:40 · answer #2 · answered by vinslave 7 · 1 1

That as the answer above said is only a representation. Its not the real thing, but only a symbol. The only way to care for it is leave it somewhere , as a decoration peace , in the living room on your table.

The way to care for it, is to read about Bhudha and his teaching. Then you understand why this statue is so important.

Learn the moral points and try to practice them.

I am not a Bhudhist, but i see him like i see ghandi, who is also a big symbol. These are important people who have helped alot of people through out life, in good and bad situations, and therefore we should respect that. But as a Muslim I would be depending on a statue, because I believe in God and Pray to him for fortune and anything i want.

Usually I would make a piece like that a decorative piece, i dont want to start worshipping a statue. But then again people have different opinion and that is mine

2007-01-20 05:03:48 · answer #3 · answered by Hunnypox 2 · 1 1

It is better to keep it in a central place, where it's influence can be felt to emanate from it towards the rest of the house, and where it can be easily visible. Besides that, just keep it clean and dust-free as a show of respect.
Buddhism recognized the role of psychology in religion. So the idol itself is just an object. It is the value you care to attach to it that will end up reflecting on you.
So that's why you want to keep it central and clean; demonstrating importance and respect. That way, you open yourself up to Buddha's positive influence.

2007-01-20 05:01:02 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1 1

It's not a holy artefact just a representation of a man. Pay respect to the Buddha by adhering to his moral precepts.

2007-01-20 04:58:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1 2

Treat it with respect. Treat it as you would a picture (or amulet) of a family member.

2007-01-20 04:59:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2 1

Its just an ornament, marginally more tasteful than a waving cat. Just stick it on the mantle shelf and dust it weekly.

2016-05-24 01:01:08 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

"Thou shalt not make unto you any graven image....." Exodus 20:4a
"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them......." Exodus 20:5a
The best thing you can do with it is throw it in the trash.Buddha may have been a good person but never a God.He is dead and the only thing we can glean from him now would be to live the example he set in being kind to humanity.To even have such an image is a gross sin unto death.

2007-01-20 05:14:10 · answer #8 · answered by don_steele54 6 · 0 3

YES! GOD will not share HIS glory with anyone. And said,"Have no graven images before ME." So I would suggest that you take it to the ocean and see how far you can throw it. It is the image of a false! god.Then turn to the true and living GOD that loves you so much that HE sent HIS SON to die on the cross in your place that you can be with HIM forever.Don't become a slave to an idol when JESUS gave HIS life to set you free.

2007-01-20 05:11:51 · answer #9 · answered by windwalker 3 · 1 4

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