The many images of Buddha

Question: “I don’t understand why are there so many images of Buddha when I google it, are all of them different persons? Obviously I know nothing about buddhism haha I’m sorry I’ve been reading but I get so confused with all the names and images of buddha”

According to Buddhist cosmology, there are “immeasurable” Buddhas in all directions and in different “lands,” celestial Buddhas. But we only have one historical Buddha, Shakyamuni.

In most Mahayana Buddhist temples, especially Chinese and Vietnamese temples, you’ll see three Buddhas representing Shakyamuni, Amitabha and Medicine Buddhas. The three Buddhas reflect the Trikaya; literally, three bodies, of the Buddha. Different schools of Buddhism will have their own explanation, but you’ll generally get that it symbolizes the true reality of things and Buddha Nature; past, present and future; or the representation of physical body, enjoyment body and spiritual body.

This article also breaks down the different major Buddhas normally represented in temples.

 

Smile and be well!

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