Respect for Buddha images and offensive use of symbols

[mikenz66]

Can someone explain the "No Buddha Head" admonition? Is that suggesting that reproductions of heads alone are forbidden?


Mike

[gavesako]

Severed Buddha heads normally come from looting ancient temples, they were carried away as trophies because the looters could not carry away the whole statues. That is how they made their way to the West and into museums as well. Traditionally only complete Buddha-rupas are made, not ony Buddha heads.

[mikenz66]

Hi Bhante,

Thanks for that clarification. I do have some recently made heads that one of my Sri Lankan students brought back from Sri Lanka a couple of years ago, hence my question.


Mike

[samseva]

I always thought those Buddha heads looked weird. I bust is not too bad, but having only a head laying around in someone's garden or living room makes no sense at all. It looks more macabre than anything else.

[mikenz66]

Yes, they are not my preference, but I don't "leave them lying around". They are usually up on a shelf...


Mike

[DaijinJim]

After reading the posts on this subject, it set me wondering at some of the answers that condone the practice of using Buddhist imagery as decoration. It is true that letters of the Sanscrit alphabet (or any letters of any alphabet are in essence empty ) But a sanscrit letter on a lotus throne or a giant J on a cross would carry some religious meaning to many. I read that Buddha wouldn't care so whats the problem. Well certainly not a problem for the Buddhas. I guess the problem lies in that as a general rule, the disrespect of these symbols, Buddhist or otherwise add to the suffering of others.

[Coëmgenu]

On the subject of questionable use of depictions of the Buddha....

There's actually a marijuana paraphernalia dispensary down the street from where I live in Whitby, Canada, that is called "The Laughing Buddha", which has a large picture on its door of a Chinese-style "heavy" Maitreya depicted taking a hit off a bong, seeming very jolly as he does so.

I'm not offended by much but I'll admit I did a double-take there.