Ehipassiko
“Just as rust, arisen out of the iron, so do his own deeds lead the transgressor to an evil state.” –Mala Vaggo –Dhammapada
Starting on a very realistic note, the February Newsletter has a different twist. This month we will be looking at various Buddha Statues worshipped in various countries.
First and foremost what does a Buddha statue represent?
Statues or models of the Buddha is called Buddharupa in Sanskrit which literally means “Form of the Awakened One”. There are two major schools of thought regarding the absolute purpose of the Buddha Statue, Theravada Buddhists do not believe in worshipping the Buddha Statue but show respect towards it. Mahayana Buddhists believe that worshipping the Buddha Statue brings them closer to enlightenment.
Across cultures there are various depictions of the Buddha:
A well proportioned figure is depicted in Indian, Tibetan and other South-asian cultures.
Buddharupa found in Japan are square and stolid.
The “laughing” or “Happy” Buddharupa is most often confused with Gautama Buddha. The “laughing” Buddharupa is one of a Chinese Buddhist monk Budei, who considered himself to embody the Buddha.
The Buddha preached the Dhamma for 45 years of His life with many hardships and obstacles out of compassion and love towards the suffering beings of this world. And the best way to appreciate the Blessed one, our Teacher, the incomparable one is to see him through the Dhamma. Understand the Dhamma and live accordingly. When you go about this and worship the Blessed one, when you look at him you will realize who he was, and what he did for this world. It will bring new meaning to the word “worship” as now you will see beyond a mere statue venerate the Buddha for his qualities and teachings which will ultimately lead you to the state of highest Bliss, Nibbana .
Sukhi Hotu
Sadhu Sadhu Sadhu to Chathu for writing this wonderful article.
The details are as follow..
We will be doing it pot luck style this time. So a list of stuff that needs to be brought is out: