I think it is the latest rage, Buddhamania. He’s everywhere now….all over blogs like tinybuddha, buddhist blog rings, Buddha blog, even Buddha dog animal massage! The zen of it all.
Largest Bronze Buddha- Lantau island, Hong Kong
What’s the draw? Face it-Buddha is a cool dude. Just sitting there all day with his head in heaven and still grounded in the earth. He’s enlightened, a role model for all. There’s big Buddhas and little Buddhas, reclining Buddhas, and fat, happy Buddhas and I’ve seen quite a few myself in my travels to Thailand, to Hong Kong, to Maui; there are Buddhas all over over…..heck there are two in my back yard now. I guess they are just cool to look at. Seeing someone so calm, even in a statue, kind of rubs off. Now, to become a Buddha, that’s the trick.
Buddha in the yard (and Max)
To become a Buddha one has to control the mind. Not an easy task, but a journey worth undertaking. On a trip to Hong Kong I was surprised to learn about the swastika, seen on the chest of Buddha. It is a very auspicious symbol, used by many cultures including Hindus, Chinese, and even Native Americans, and was even seen in caves 10,000 years ago.
Close up of Bronze Buddha
(Only in the West has it gotten the bad connotation, associated with Hitler.) The word “swastika” comes from the Sanskrit svastika – “su” meaning “good,” “asti” meaning “to be,” and “ka” as a suffix. For the past 3,000 years the swastika meant life and good luck.
White Buddha in Northern Thailand
I’m not a Buddhist, but every great religion has roots that define what is right and good for all humans. For Buddhism, it is the Four Noble Truths:
1. The First Noble Truth
All beings, human and otherwise, are afflicted with all sorts of disappointments, sadness, discomfort, anxiety etc. In short they are subject to suffering.
2. The Second Noble Truth
The cause of this suffering is craving, born of the illusion of a ‘soul’
3. The Third Noble Truth
Suffering has a final end in the experience of Enlightenment (Nirvana), which is the complete destruction of delusion and the consequent ending of craving and ill will.
4. The Fourth Noble Truth
This peaceful and blissful Enlightenment is achieved through a gradual training, a path called the Middle Way, or the Eightfold Path.
The Great Buddha in Lahaina, Maui
LOL! Love it “Buddhamania”
It’s true. I think our Western culture is getting so crazy and out of touch that more and more people are trying to find ways to find peace and themselves. Unfortunately we are a nation of commercializing everything, “It’s Buddhatastic!” I have not doubt there’s a blog somewhere called the Buddhaist.
Hey thanks….yes it’s true, and now I think I’m getting a “buddha-belly”……less chocolate for me for a while.
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When I see a Buddha I feel an inner reverence and an urge to bow to the Peace, Serenity and Spiritual presence the images reflect with in my self. The Buddha brings forth Universal Spiritual Truths that are common to all Spiritual Paths and Sacred Practices.
The pictures are Beautiful and they truly radiate Peace… Thank You