Buddhist Shrines and Images
Man has always felt the need to remember the things he loves and reveres in a form that he can feel and see before him. A person may keep a photograph in order to recall a loved one who has gone abroad or has passed away. One may also feel a great sense of pride and love for a country when standing at attention before the national flag. The photograph and national flag are examples of symbols that enable one to remember the qualities of the people or things that are being represented. They form the focal point of one’s feeling of love, respect or patriotism.
Similarly, the shrine found in Buddhist homes or temples is a focal point of Buddhist observance. At the centre of the shrine, there is usually an image of the Buddha. The image may be made of variety of materials such as marble, gold, wood or even clay. The image is a symbol that helps people to recall the qualities of the Buddha.
The Shrine may also have such objects as a volume of Buddhist scriptures to represent the Dharma. Some shrines may include other items such as images, pictures or photograph of Buddhist monks and master to represent the Sangha. When a Buddhist stands before a shrine , the objects he sees on it help him to recall the qualities that are found in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. This inspires him to work towards cultivating these qualities in himself.
