Dhamma Talks - The Buddha Statue :: Buddhapadipa Thai Temple

The Buddha statue is one of the most respected object to Buddhist. The first ever casting was done in the Gandhara period, in the country of Gandhara, North of India. In today’s geographic terms, the country was Pakistan during 500-550 B.E.

Prior to this period, no statue had existed. The only place for pilgrimage was the four commemorative sites. The first was the Birth place (Lumpini park in Nepal), the second being the place of enlightenment (Buddhagaya in India), the third being the place where the first ever sermon took place (Baranasi in India) and the forth being the place of his passing away (Kusinagara in India).

How did Buddhist engage in the act of “Puja” (showing respect) to the Buddha?
Prior to the existence of a statue, Buddhists would either use the “Bodhi” leaves, or the water and soil from the four main pilgrimage sites to commemorate the Buddha. After this, other objects were introduced; each was symbolic and had important relations to the story of the Buddha. Such object being, the “lotus” (the emblem for purity), “elephants” (a vision which appeared in one of the Buddha’s mother’s dream, Queen Mahamaya), “great wheel” (depiction of the movement of dhamma’s propagation), pagoda etc.

Even at the time of King Asoka, who had demonstrated much support for Buddhism, and who had even built pillars to house ancient Buddhist manuscripts, had not thought of having a statue made.

It was in fact a Greek King who was responsible in creating the first ever Buddha statue.

How did a Greek king ever come to being evolved with India’s history or Buddhism?

It is said that around 217 B.E., the King of Greece, “Alexander the Great” had successfully invaded and ruled Takasila city within the country of Gandhara. During his rein, the city was rebuilt and Greek architecture was introduced to the region. When the King left the country, he had left behind a number of Greek officers. These officers, together with natives, continued to build on the multicultural aspect of the city.

Later, from the time that the Mauriya dynasty came to rule the Magadha and its surrounding counties, until the time of King Asoka; Dhammaduta monks were continuously sent out to propagate Buddhism in Takasila City until Buddhism was well established. It is evident in the many ruins that had been excavated in modern times, such as pagodas.

When the Mauriya dynasty ended, King Minlinda (The King Menander, Greece) due to having had a deep faith in Buddhism, was believed to have been the one to have the first ever Buddha statue made. The style in which the first casting was made was of Greek appearance.

Not soon after, other Buddhists in other cities followed suit. So there followed many Buddha statues, and four of which was placed in the main holy sites. Nowadays there exist many statues, in a range of postures, all of which are symbols of Buddhism.

The Buddha statue has become the most respectful objects for Buddhist, because it is regarded as the image of their benevolent teacher.