Significance of Buddha statue
The Buddha statue serves diverse functions across various Buddhist traditions, representing sacred and artistic expressions. In South Asia, it acts as a significant offering point and symbolizes artistry through life-sized figures and elaborate carvings. Tibetan Buddhism sees the statue as a representation of spiritual aspiration, while Mahayana emphasizes its role in devotion and shrine settings. Theravada warns of potential misuse. Throughout history, these statues have played key roles in cultural and spiritual practices, reflecting the fusion of artistry and devotion.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Buddha statue'
Buddha statues in Buddhism serve multiple purposes: they protect sacred practices, act as focal points for devotion, may promote false beliefs, create conducive environments for spiritual growth, and symbolize aspirations linked to Buddhist teachings.
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) A Buddha statue is a representation of the Buddha that is set up on a shrine to create a conducive environment for the cultivation of bodhicitta.[1]
From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra
(1) Images representing the Buddha that are focal points for devotion and offerings by practitioners.[2]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Sacred representations used in practices to protect and uphold the samayas, particularly in outer samaya rituals.[3]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) An effigy of the Buddha that might be used to promote false beliefs and donations by unscrupulous individuals.[4]
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) The symbolic figure that mangala guru aimed to erect, representing a spiritual aspiration and connection to the Buddhist teachings.[5]
The concept of Buddha statue in local and regional sources
The Buddha statue encompasses various representations, including large sculptures, historical artifacts, and artistic creations reflecting spirituality, devotion, and cultural significance across regions, notably within Tibetan culture and historical contexts.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) Life-sized golden figures of Buddha housed within the viharas of the constructed sangharama, symbolizing devotion and artistry.[6] (2) The Buddha statue is a significant offering point in the charity enclosure, adorned with jewels by the king.[7] (3) A representation of Buddha made of native copper, notable for being less than 100 feet high and appearing life-like.[8] (4) Sacred objects obtained by Hiuen Tsiang from his travels, including various representations of Buddha.[9] (5) The object before which Dharmapala prayed during his time of sorrow.[10]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) A representation of Buddha made of wood, which is associated with the widow woman's meritorious acts.[11]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Iconic sculptures that symbolize man’s artistic efforts to achieve immortality.[12] (2) The historic sculptures of Buddha located in Afghanistan that have cultural significance and were a focal point of the Bamiyan valley.[13] (3) A representation of the Buddhist figure, often emphasizing calm and serene expressions while reflecting spiritual tranquility.[14]
From: Tibet (Myth, Religion and History)
(1) Religious icons brought to Tibet by Nepalese and Chinese princesses, leading to the construction of shrines for their hosting.[15] (2) Sacred representations of Buddha brought by queens from Nepal and China, significant to Tibetan culture and worship.[16]