Buddhism and the Worship of Statues and Images: A Comprehensive Guide

Buddhism is often misunderstood in terms of its practices, particularly the role of statues and images in Buddhist practice. Many believe that Buddhists worship these statues, but this is a misconception. The truth is that the act of showing respect to such images is not about worship but about the cultivation of mindfulness and awareness.

The Teachings of the Buddha

The Buddha taught that suffering arises from our reactions to life and that the cessation of suffering lies within our ability to train our minds. He emphasized the importance of understanding and changing our minds to overcome suffering rather than relying on external deities or higher powers.

In essence, Buddhism teaches that no higher power can train our minds for us, including Buddha himself. Therefore, showing respect for those who have taught the techniques (such as statues and images) is a way to foster motivation and mindfulness.

Respect vs. Worship

The act of showing respect to statues and images in Buddhism is a form of reverence for the teachings that the Buddha presented. It is not worship in the traditional sense, but rather a practice aimed at helping individuals focus on their own path of self-discovery and transformation.

The Role of Mindfulness and Self-Discovery

Practicing mindfulness in Buddhism involves turning away from distractions such as TV and cell phones, and instead focusing on self-discovery and self-awareness. This requires discipline and emotional courage to face and overcome discontent.

Quotes from Buddhist Masters

The teachings of prominent Buddhist masters further clarify the nature of these practices. For instance, Gehlek Rimpoche emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in Buddhism:

“Buddhism is not love and light. It is hard work. If you want love and light go to the amusement park.”

After explaining that higher powers such as Buddha cannot make us achieve enlightenment or escape suffering, Rimpoche adds:

“We know that Buddha cannot reach down from somewhere and snatch us out of a rough spot or lift us into a heavenly paradise. Only we can do that for ourselves. So how can we find a source of protection if we are ultimately responsible for ourselves That source is within us: it is the material we have within us that can be turned into a Buddha and it is the Dharma within us that is our own spiritual development.”

Similarly, Bhante Gunaratana, the author of Mindfulness in Plain English, describes the clinical and psychological nature of Buddhism:

“Buddhism as a whole is quite different from the theological religions with which Westerners are most familiar. It is a direct entrance to a spiritual or divine realm without addressing deities or other 'agents'. Its flavor is intensely clinical much more akin to what we would call psychology than to what we would usually call religion. It is ever on-going investigation of reality a microscopic examination of the very process of perception. Its intention is to pick apart the screen of lies and delusions through which we normally view the world...”

Conclusion

Understanding the proper practices in Buddhism, especially regarding the role of statues and images, requires a shift in perspective. The key to developing a deeper spiritual practice is to focus on self-discovery, mindfulness, and discipline. Instead of seeking external deities for guidance, Buddhists rely on their own ability to transform and grow through their own efforts.

In summary, while respect for statues and images is a traditional and meaningful practice in Buddhism, it is not about worship but about enhancing one's progress on the path of enlightenment.