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Buddhism: Living the Buddhist Life

Buddharupas and other objects of devotion

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Overview

Bowing, the earth-touching gesture and other mudras, the long earlobes and ushnisha, the Vakkali Sutta and images, what a shrine holds, the bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi, and differing views of devotional objects.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why is the bodhi tree honoured, and what is the Sri Maha Bodhi?

Key term

What is a buddharupa?

Key term

Why do Buddhists bow before a buddharupa?

Questions from this subtopic

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  1. 1

    What is a buddharupa?

    Model answer

    A buddharupa is a statue or image of the Buddha. The word means "form of the Buddha".

  2. 2

    Why do Buddhists bow before a buddharupa?

    Model answer

    Buddhists bow to show respect and gratitude to the Buddha, not to worship a god. The image reminds them of the qualities they hope to develop.

  3. 3

    What does the earth-touching gesture on a buddharupa represent?

    Model answer

    The right hand touching the ground recalls the Buddha calling the earth to witness his enlightenment. The gesture shows his victory over Mara.

  4. 4

    Name two mudras besides the earth-touching gesture.

    Model answer

    The meditation mudra rests both hands in the lap. The teaching mudra forms a wheel with the fingers, recalling the first sermon.

  5. 5

    What do the long earlobes and the ushnisha on a buddharupa represent?

    Model answer

    Long earlobes recall the heavy earrings Siddhattha wore as a prince. The ushnisha, the rounded top of the head, represents his wisdom.

  6. 6

    What does the Vakkali Sutta teach about devotion to the Buddha's form?

    Model answer

    Vakkali longed to keep gazing at the Buddha's body. The Buddha replied that whoever sees the Dhamma sees him, and whoever sees him sees the Dhamma.

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