Megalomania and Buddhism

[Viachh]

Are the mega Buddha statues contrary to the very spirit of Buddhism: the spirit of middleness and measure?

[binocular]

Are the mega Buddha statues contrary to the very spirit of Buddhism: the spirit of middleness and measure?

Surely if you calculated the statistical average size of Buddha statues, based on measuring all Buddha statues in existence, from those that are about 1 cm or less tall, to those that measure in tens of meters, you'd get a nice middle measure.

[Dan74]

If I recall correctly, the Buddha had asked for no statues or images and this was followed for some centuries after his passing. But then people being people, they started making them. There are pros and cons - art can inspire and motivate people to practice.

[Viachh]

If I recall correctly, the Buddha had asked for no statues or images and this was followed for some centuries after his passing. But then people being people, they started making them. There are - art can inspire and motivate people to practice.

Could there be pros and cons if the Buddha had asked for no statues or images. (Cognitive dissonance)

[Dan74]

If I recall correctly, the Buddha had asked for no statues or images and this was followed for some centuries after his passing. But then people being people, they started making them. There are - art can inspire and motivate people to practice.

Could there be pros and cons if the Buddha had asked for no statues or images. (Cognitive dissonance)

Whether his wish was that no statues or images are build by his immediate disciples, who should rather concentrate on other things, or built ever, I am not sure. Nor that the Buddha always knew the best possible course of action for eternity.

[binocular]

Could someone please provide an actual canonical reference for the claim that "the Buddha had asked for no statues or images"?

[Volo]

Could someone please provide an actual canonical reference for the claim that "the Buddha had asked for no statues or images"?

It's a disputed matter. Ven Dhammanando gave once some explanations, see the following topic: viewtopic.php?f=19&t=32666#p485172.

[Sam Vara]

I don't think there was much of a tradition of statuary in the Buddha's time. There is no proscription because it was not thought of.

As such, the "mega statues" can be seen as merely tasteful or distasteful. The important thing is one's attitude towards them. I have known Western monks explain how their refined sensibilities were offended by the garish and intrusive Buddha-rupas they encountered in Thailand and Burma. They grew to appreciate them, though.

[confusedlayman]

Are the mega Buddha statues contrary to the very spirit of Buddhism: the spirit of middleness and measure?

People who delight in statue are addicted to appearance and come under mara

[Viachh]

It looks like a cargo cult.

[retrofuturist]

Greetings,

I tend to find the grandiosity of the Dhammakaya sect to be disconnected from the true nature of the Dhamma.

Metta,
Paul.

[mikenz66]

Greetings,

I tend to find the grandiosity of the Dhammakaya sect to be disconnected from the true nature of the Dhamma.

Metta,
Paul.

Large statues are everywhere, not necessarily anything to do with Dhammakaya. Like any construction, they can be inspiring, or irritating, depending on your preferences.

These are a couple I've visited a few times...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Buddha_of_Thailand



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tian_Tan_Buddha



The Tian Tan Buddha in Hong Kong has a particularly inspiring setting, and it faces North, towards China...

There is also a large installation featuring the Heart Sutra nearby: https://www.tourism.gov.hk/wisdompath/en/index.html




Mike