Significance of Sacred image
Synonyms: Holy image, Religious icon, Icon, Idol, Effigy, Representation, Symbol
In Dutch: Heilig beeld; In Finnish: Pyhä kuva; In Spanish: Imagen sagrada; In German: Heiliges Bild; In Malay: Imej suci; In Swedish: Helig bild; In French: Image sacrée; In Portugese: Imagem sagrada; In Italian: Immagine sacra; In Polish: Święty obraz
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sacred image'
Sacred images in Buddhism encompass visual representations of deities, symbols, and revered figures used in worship, teachings, rituals, and devotion. They embody spiritual significance and are venerated in temples.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) Representations of holy figures in Buddhism, often used in rituals and devotion.[1] (2) Visual representations of deities that are venerated in worship practices.[2] (3) Symbols and representations of the Buddhist teachings, often used in practices and ordinations.[3] (4) Holy or revered representations often found in temples, which are objects of worship.[4]
From: The gods of northern Buddhism
(1) Statues or representations of deities treated with reverence, different from idols, embodying spiritual significance.[5]
From: Hualin International Journal of Buddhist Studies
(1) These were also collected by Chinese pilgrims, along with relics, and were brought back to China to vindicate the faith of devotees, according to the text.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Sacred image'
Sacred images in Hinduism encompass idols, representations of deities, and religious icons revered in worship. These divine representations, like the Durga image, are central to image-worship and hold spiritual significance.
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A divine representation created for worship, often imbued with spiritual significance and treated with reverence.[7]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Refers to idols or representations of deities enshrined within the temple structure, central to the practice of image-worship in Hinduism.[8]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) This describes the Durga image, where Viravara needed to offer his son to save the king.[9]
The concept of Sacred image in local and regional sources
Sacred image encompasses revered portrayals of divinity, including Buddha in a sangharama, divine representations beyond the physical, Bharata Mata embodying national spirit, and the Linga central to Tinnan's devotion.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The divine representations that, per the commentary, should not be seen merely as physical objects.[10] (2) The form of Lord Siva (Linga) that becomes central to Tinnan's devotion and offerings.[11] (3) A revered portrayal of divinity, in this case referring to the idol of Bharata Mata as embodying national spirit and identity.[12]
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) The holy form of Buddha portrayed as magnificent within a great sangharama.[13]
The concept of Sacred image in scientific sources
Sacred image, in this context, involves Christian mindfulness practices using guided imagery and representations elevated through worship, distinguishing them from mere objects.
From: Religions Journal (MDPI)
(1) Sacred images accompanied devotional texts and were used as a “reminder” to jog the “memory”, as a significant part of the contemplative process.[14] (2) New devices of visual rhetoric were explored in a time ripe for re-evaluating sacred images to advance religious devotions and to broaden and enrich artistic traditions.[15] (3) Sacred images were not always universally adopted by the Catholic Church, as the practice of venerating them was not always adopted, according to Demetrios Chomatenos.[16] (4) Representations serving as a source of theological messages, intercession, and entry into the transcendental world.[17] (5) A study used MP3 audio recordings of Christian-based mindfulness practices that integrated elements of centering prayer, Lectio Divina and guided imagery focusing on sacred images.[18]
Classical concept of 'Sacred image'
From: Egypt Through The Stereoscope
(1) An object that was once kept in a shrine, now open, bare, and empty, crafted from a single block of granite.[19]
From: The History of Herodotus
(1) These are found in the temples of Hellenic gods in Gelonos, furnished after the Hellenic fashion and made of wood, indicating a religious practice.[20]