Difference between revisions of "Statues"
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The first Buddha statues were made in [[India]] in about the 2nd century CE, perhaps due to Greek influence. Before that time, the [[Buddha]] was represented by a wheel, a [[Bodhi Tree]], a pair of footprints or an empty throne. It is sometimes said that for several centuries it was ‘forbidden’ to make statues of the Buddha, but this is incorrect. Statues of the Buddha were not made simply because iconographic skills had not developed to a high enough level. Buddha statues are either standing, sitting or lying down. The lying statues, often mistakenly called ‘the sleeping Buddha’ actually depict the Buddha’s passing. | The first Buddha statues were made in [[India]] in about the 2nd century CE, perhaps due to Greek influence. Before that time, the [[Buddha]] was represented by a wheel, a [[Bodhi Tree]], a pair of footprints or an empty throne. It is sometimes said that for several centuries it was ‘forbidden’ to make statues of the Buddha, but this is incorrect. Statues of the Buddha were not made simply because iconographic skills had not developed to a high enough level. Buddha statues are either standing, sitting or lying down. The lying statues, often mistakenly called ‘the sleeping Buddha’ actually depict the Buddha’s passing. | ||
| − | The hands of Buddha statues are usually shown in one of several gestures (mudrà), the most common being the gesture of meditation, of fearlessness, of teaching and the earth-touching gesture. On the top of the statue’s head is usually a flame - sometimes realistically depicted, sometimes highly stylised - meant to suggest a halo. Buddhists place flowers, lights and incense before Buddha statues to honour the Buddha’s memory and as reminders of fleeting beauty, the light of knowledge and the fragrance of virtue respectively. Although much popular superstition surrounds Buddha statues, particularly in Thailand, no informed Buddhists believe that they are anything more than symbols of the enlightened person in material form. | + | The hands of Buddha statues are usually shown in one of several gestures (mudrà), the most common being the gesture of meditation, of fearlessness, of teaching and the earth-touching gesture. On the top of the statue’s head is usually a flame - sometimes realistically depicted, sometimes highly stylised - meant to suggest a halo. [[Buddhists]] place flowers, lights and incense before Buddha statues to honour the Buddha’s memory and as reminders of fleeting beauty, the light of knowledge and the fragrance of virtue respectively. Although much popular superstition surrounds Buddha statues, particularly in Thailand, no informed [[Buddhists]] believe that they are anything more than symbols of the enlightened person in material form. |
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| + | Great artistic skill is used in making the statues and the use of beautiful statues and other artistic forms in Buddhist temples is at least [[Skilful means|skilful means]], for the understanding of Buddhism and wholesome representation of the teacher and teachings at its best. | ||
See also: [[Idolatry]] | See also: [[Idolatry]] | ||
Revision as of 22:01, 11 November 2008
A statue (pañimà) is a figure of a person or animal in metal, stone or some other substance. Buddha statues are not, as is sometimes supposed, idols but representations of the Buddha meant to act as an object of contemplation or a focus of attention.
The first Buddha statues were made in India in about the 2nd century CE, perhaps due to Greek influence. Before that time, the Buddha was represented by a wheel, a Bodhi Tree, a pair of footprints or an empty throne. It is sometimes said that for several centuries it was ‘forbidden’ to make statues of the Buddha, but this is incorrect. Statues of the Buddha were not made simply because iconographic skills had not developed to a high enough level. Buddha statues are either standing, sitting or lying down. The lying statues, often mistakenly called ‘the sleeping Buddha’ actually depict the Buddha’s passing.
The hands of Buddha statues are usually shown in one of several gestures (mudrà), the most common being the gesture of meditation, of fearlessness, of teaching and the earth-touching gesture. On the top of the statue’s head is usually a flame - sometimes realistically depicted, sometimes highly stylised - meant to suggest a halo. Buddhists place flowers, lights and incense before Buddha statues to honour the Buddha’s memory and as reminders of fleeting beauty, the light of knowledge and the fragrance of virtue respectively. Although much popular superstition surrounds Buddha statues, particularly in Thailand, no informed Buddhists believe that they are anything more than symbols of the enlightened person in material form.
Great artistic skill is used in making the statues and the use of beautiful statues and other artistic forms in Buddhist temples is at least skilful means, for the understanding of Buddhism and wholesome representation of the teacher and teachings at its best.
See also: Idolatry
References
The Buddha Image, D.L.Snellgrove, 1978.