In these (or any) days of turbulence, it is no wonder that many seek symbols of serenity. Most of us in our corner of the globe share the Christian tradition; and Christ, certainly, can be regarded as having been a man of peace. Yet, the overriding Christian symbol is hardly a monument of enlightened quiescence. While it is true that most area churches have long since removed the suffering Christ from the cross, leaving in its place only a vacuous arrangement of right angles, enough remains to remind us of His tortured flesh.
The principle symbol of Buddhism - the Buddha himself - affords a welcome relief to the battle-weary. The statuary, though always in strict compliance with traditional norms, nevertheless comes off as varied as the artists who give it shape.
Insofar as - according to Buddhists - “all things are Buddha things”, I invite you to enjoy a modest sampling of same, captured on film during my various travels abroad.
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