Where to Find the Presence oF the Buddha today

Journal Title: Social Affairs - Year 2015, Vol 1, Issue 2

Abstract

The presence or the absence of the Buddha is ambiguous in various contexts. Where to fnd his existence regardless of time is a practically useful inquiry. The Buddhist canonical teachings do not recommend any refuge in external power or authority. Yet the attitudes of the followers and other students seem to question why not. As a result we fnd various ways of manifestation of the Buddha in terms of statues and related rituals, symbols like lighting a lamp, or visualization of the Buddha. Is the Buddha present in terms of statues then? If yes, in which kinds of statues? Is he present otherwise, in terms of didactic stories? The more we fnd the Buddha externally the more we fnd a distance and gap between the Buddha and the practitioner. These inquiries will contribute to removing any distance and gap between them and bring to light the clarity and indepth relationship of taking refuge in the triple gem and practice of mindfulness.

Authors and Affiliations

Sumana Rathnayake

Keywords

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