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The two most common symbols of Buddhism are the lotus, representing knowledge, and the wheel, representing reincarnation. Some faiths also worship the image of the Buddha.
The original Buddha was a real living person, and credited for either founding the ideals, or rediscovering the teachings. Hotei was a Chinese, Buddhist monk often confused for the Buddha, and is the man whose image is used for the fat and happy 'Buddha' statues.
In Buddhism, a bodhisattva is usually an image of great compassion. Kwan Yin is a good example. She is the Goddess of compassion. In Buddhism, you are taught that if you learn compassion in this life, you have done well. There are many bodhisattvas or statues of beautiful characters in Buddhism. Buddha himself is the greatest bodhisattva of all.
Even today Buddhist are believe that there is nobody can recreate Buddha's Image successfully. In early days, people thought that recreating an incorrect image of Buddha will be an insult to his greatness. And also the Lord of Buddha has mentioned that do not go after his physical appearance but try to see him through the great practice of Dhamma.
No, the real Buddha died over 2000 years ago.
Not sure what you mean by 'they' but the concept of 'holy' is a deeply personal thing in Buddhism, not proscribed strongly by any dogma. The essence of all Buddhist teachings sit withing the Buddha's Four Noble Truths. For some Buddhists the image of the Buddha is very important for others the teachings are 'holy' and for others the direct experience of these teachings might be seen as the foundation of the Buddhist path.
Buddhism first spread from India to china and from china it spread all over Asia. The Chinese government changed Buddhism dramatically and they called Buddhism theirs. Buddhism was originated in India. Buddha was never fat, the Chinese changed the buddha's image and the Chinese changed the teaching. They called Buddhism a religion. Buddhism was never a religion, it was only a teaching or a school or educational system. Never a religion
1. Because an image is not a god. 2. Because the Buddha is not a god, but a teacher.
The Buddha was never depicted with a halo prior to the conquests of Alexander the Great. From this time, the image of Buddha began to be modelled on the sun god Apollo. Because Apollo was usually depicted with a sun disk behind his head, Buddha was given a halo. In the original Gandharan carvings of the first century BCE, the halo has flames of light bursting out from it like a sun. And, just as the Greek Apollo wears a toga, so does the Buddha.
The image of the Buddha represents the first of the three jewels, Buddha or the enlightened mind. Buddhist venerate images of Buddha because to them in their minds it represents the Living Buddha, because people do not posses the Karma to see a Buddha they believe instead that the image is that of Buddha. It is almost like paying memorial to a lost one by lighting a candle or putting some flowers down in front of their image or grave. It has got nothing to do with idolisation or worship.
Ashoka
Buy Resin Sitting Buddha Statue , Idols and Sculpture Online: Features: The first meaning of the Buddha image is: repay. All sentient beings have grace. The greatest kind is no teacher. Buddha and Bodhisattva are our teachers. We accept the teachings of Buddha and Bodhisattva. The Buddha was cultivated by ordinary men, and his image was provided to remind us to learn from him and to become a Buddha. We must learn the intentions of the Buddha, living, working, doing things, treating others, receiving things