look at it this way.Monkey Mind wrote:Fede, I don't disagree with you. I am honored that someone thinks enough of me that they made the effort to gift me something "Buddhisty". But it does put me in an awkward position: telling the person Hotei is not really Buddha would feel ungrateful and might embarrass the giver, but not saying something perpetuates misconceptions.
Mahayana art is often very beautiful. If it were me, I'd keep the calendar or regift it to someone.
We're all (aspiring) Buddhas, and the gift was given to you in kindness, consideration, love and sincerity.
How can it not represent Buddha to you?
The Jewel is in the Lotus.
Maybe he ain't Buddha, but he's a coulda-Buddha.....!!
I realise you feel you'll have to tell them, but that doesn't mean you need to do it immediately, necessarily....Bide your time, tell them when it's appropriate..... That time will come.
