Question: “I have a great respect for buddhism, though it is not a path I follow. Recently, my wife and I purchased a beautiful painting of Gautama Buddha. We thought to hang it outside, in a small patio where we will often sit and appreciate nature. We live in an area with many buddhists, and I am now concerned with offending our neighbors. Would hanging a large painting outdoors be seen as something offensive?”
Not necessarily. In the West, it is very common to see images and statues of Buddhas everywhere. However, in other parts of the world, especially in Buddhist countries, it’s common-knowledge that presenting anything Buddha-related for decorative reasons is offensive. Of course, in the West many people don’t know any better and those that do have Buddha objects as decor aren’t even Buddhists, but use Buddha to “Zenify” their home/room.
Buddhists have an appreciation for Buddha statues and images and normally half-bow when they see one. However, if your intentions are to add the image to compliment your observance of nature instead of decorative reasons, then I don’t think it would be an issue.
Smile and be well!