Buddha Statues-Amy Jackson

Outside reading: By Dogen

"When a buddha is painted, not only a clay altar or lump of earth is used, but the thirty-two marks, a blade of grass, and the cultivation of wisdom for incalculable eons are used. As a Buddha has been painted on a single scroll in this way, all buddhas are painted buddhas, and all painted buddhas are actual buddhas."

Here Dogen is placing importance on Buddhas. Buddha statues represent the ideas they believe. It represents the four noble truths. When these statues are placed in home and public places, they are to remind people of their beliefs. They depict the original Buddha who developed these ideas. But they are more than just reminders. They are thought to bring in good vibes and are lucky charms. This art is not merely aesthetically pleasing, it has a deeper meaning. Deeper than what it reminds people of. The Buddha statues are believed to have power. When Dogen says, "All Buddhas are actual Buddhas" he is saying that they all carry something greater than other statues.