Significance of Images of God
Synonyms: Icons of god, Symbols of god
In Dutch: Beelden van God
In Finnish: Jumalan kuvia
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Images of God'
Images of God in Buddhism represent artifacts created from the remains of individuals after cremation, symbolizing their spiritual legacy and the continuation of their essence beyond physical existence.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Artifacts that emerged from the ashes during the cremation of the individual, symbolizing his spiritual legacy.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Images of God'
Images of God in Hinduism encompass conceptual and physical representations, including sculptures placed in temples, which adhere to specific guidelines and serve both religious and artistic purposes integral to temple design and decoration.
From: Manasara (English translation)
(1) Artistic representations that are rarely included in the ten-storeyed buildings.[2] (2) Statues or representations of divine figures that should be installed in specific locations within the architectural design.[3] (3) Religious representations that should be incorporated in temples and other sacred structures for worship purposes.[4] (4) Visual representations of deities that are included in the chariot design for religious and cultural significance.[5] (5) Sculptural representations of deities placed throughout the building as expressions of devotion and architectural ornamentation.[6]
From: Agni Purana
(1) Representations of deities, the installation of which yields greater merits compared to simply building temples.[7] (2) Representations of deities that are thought to exhibit physical changes as a sign of divine presence or messages.[8] (3) Statues or representations of deities that are to be installed within constructed pavilions or temples.[9] (4) This refers to the depictions of various deities such as Agni and others, showcasing distinctive features like clubs, tridents, discs, and lotuses.[10] (5) These images are considered auspicious.[11]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The conceptual or physical representations of the divine, which can be perceived similarly to other external objects.[12]
From: Paraskara-grihya-sutra
(1) Refers to physical representations of deities that the charioteer must respectfully navigate around.[13]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to 'pratima', which are often worshipped in religious settings.[14]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Representations or sculptures of divine beings such as Brahma and Vishnu that are installed in proximity to the phalli.[15]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) Statues or representations of deities meant for worship, ornate and made according to specific rituals and proportions.[16]
The concept of Images of God in local and regional sources
Images of God, in this context, emphasizes artistic representations in Hindu art that serve as spiritual contemplations, prioritizing divine depictions over human figures, thereby enhancing the viewer's spiritual experience and understanding.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) Artistic representations that are seen as spiritual contemplations and are prioritized over depictions of human figures in Hindu art.[17]