Volume
Vol. 9, The Unity of Religious Ideals
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Prophets and Religions
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Sub-Heading
Forms of Buddhistic Worship
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Vol. 9, The Unity of Religious Ideals
Prophets and Religions
Forms of Buddhistic Worship
Buddhism is so named from Buddha; yet the meaning of the word denotes the knower, the seer, the word Buddhi in Sanskrit being the name of the faculty in man which knows, which sees, and thereby distinguishes and discriminates between things and beings. It is doubtful if Buddha taught his followers to worship his own image, as they do today. In every temple of the Buddhists, and in their monasteries, the statues of Buddha, of all sizes, in gold, silver, brass, and copper, are found, where Buddha is sitting cross-legged in the mystic posture. No home of a Buddhist, no sacred place, is without his statue. And though the four important scriptures of the Buddhistic faith are lost, and have vanished long ago, still the fragrance of his philosophy and moral could not be lost sight of. Although it seems to be idolatry, yet his image, as a symbol, inspires not only his devotees, but every thoughtful mind, as it shows balance, quietude, peace, the absorption within, purity of character, beauty of personality, gentleness, tenderness, a restful attitude, and perfect wisdom.
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