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| Buddha-Shaped Ceramic Air Freshener |
Yesterday (Saturday), at the last monthly rosary prayer gathering for the year, my daughter and I received ceramic air fresheners as gifts from my friend. Daughter's air freshener was shaped like a cat and I showed a picture of it in the previous post. Mine is shaped like a seated Buddha. It has a pearlized finish, with vent openings cut into the folds of the robe, and contains some vanilla scented air freshener inside.
It is said that the Buddha didn't want any images of himself. For years after his death, the rock carvings and paintings that depicted the life stories and teachings of the Buddha in the caves and temples used symbols such as the leaf of the pipal tree (Ficus religiosa) which is a type of fig tree under which he is supposed to have sat during Enlightenment or attainment of Buddhahood, a lotus, which represents purity since the flowers bloom above the water, unsullied by the murky mud in which the plants grow, or by an eight-spoked wheel, which represents the wheel of Dhamma (Pali) or Dharma (Sanskrit), which was set in motion by his teachings (the eight spokes represent the Eight-Fold Path or the Middle Way).
However, after several years, images of the Buddha began to appear. Today, statues of the Buddha or pictures depicting him are quite common in the temples and in Buddhist homes, where such statues and images are considered as icons.
And, apparently, in non-Buddhist homes, too, because I am seeing more and more Buddha statues or figurines is the stores, these days. Some of them appear to be garden ornaments (even the dollar store has them, in their garden section), some appear to be more decorative and found in the decor sections. In fact, last Christmas, one of my cousins gave me a clear "crystal" (plastic) statue of the Buddha, that she found in a home decor section of a store, as my holiday gift. Maybe some non-Buddhists buy them to give an Eastern-inspired, perhaps meditative, feel to a room? I am highly amused by it, of course, because how many religious icons can be considered as decorative and evocative of a place?
To be quite honest, when I first received my gift, I wasn't quite sure what to think of it. Personally, I would never consider giving my Catholic friends air fresheners shaped like Jesus or Our Lady. A statue, maybe, for their altar, but not something like an air freshener or the salt and pepper shakers that I have seen pictures of online. To me, that seems a bit profane. But, after talking it over with my daughter, I realize that I was being too sensitive. I am sure my friend saw the air freshener (she gave air fresheners to all in the prayer group), saw that it was Buddha shaped and probably assumed that I would like it.
I appreciate my friend taking the time and effort to personalize our gifts - a cat for my daughter who loves cats, a Buddha for me who is a Buddhist. I know the maker of the air freshener didn't intend for it to be a religious icon, but I placed my gift in an elevated place, on top of the tall bookcase in the family room, as I would any icon of the Buddha, where it will serve the dual purpose of freshening the air in the room while being a religious icon, as well. Thanks to my friend, I'll have a good smelling Buddhist home!
Would you give an object like a planter, or an air freshener, or salt and pepper shakers that are shaped like a religious icon? If you received one, what would you think?
Just stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year Bless. I hope 2018 is a good one for you, DD and all your family.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think about it, if you are Buddhist it is an odd thing to receive although as you say I'm sure it was given with the best intentions and love. If I received an air freshener etc in the image of Jesus I'm sure I would also think what an odd gift although as I've never come across such a thing in stores I doubt it will ever happen.
Buddha does seem to have taken on a decorative image in lots of homes and gardens of non Buddhists. I think maybe you're right in that a lot of people connect the image to a peaceful aura in their lives - although it always stumps me as to why so many people tend not to be believe in their 'own' religion but will happily take on images of others. No offence meant by the way, but I think you'll know what I'm trying to say - I just can't articulate it properly. xx
A very happy New Year to you, too, Suzanne, and may it be a good one for you and your family. It is a special day for you, isn't it?
DeleteYes, one never sees air fresheners or other objects in the shape of other religious icons, does one? They are available online, but I've never seen them in regular stores. Makes one wonder why, doesn't it?
I do understand what you are saying. But, I am glad that images of the Buddha seem to stand for peacefulness and calm to so many. That is a good thing, in my opinion.
Hope your new year is off to a good start, Suzanne. Take care.
I agree with your thinking, but realize that everyone has their own threshold of sensitivities. My sister, who is not Buddhist, has a Buddhist statue in her home. She has it because it reminds her of some of the Buddhist teachings she likes and tries to live by.
ReplyDeleteAs a Buddhist, I would say that your sister's reason for having a Buddha statue in her home is a very valid reason. That is really what the icons are supposed to be for, isn't it? As a reminder of what is important to us.
DeleteThis was a very interesting post. You acknowledged the kindness of your friend for the effort she put into "personalizing" the gifts for each recipient. And my first thought was, "How nice." I often thought of getting a Buddha for the pond and garden that I had in my back yard. Buddha represents peace and tranquility to me. But when you turned the table and asked how I would respond to receiving a statue of Jesus for my garden, I recoiled with that thought. No way. I would be shocked. I was given an angel for my garden. That wasn't bad. I would have personally chosen another statue, but that's okay. I think I see your point of view now, but I don't believe it was anything more than an attempt to "personalize" your gift. It is unfortunate.
ReplyDeleteSusan, actually, I think a statue of the Buddha for your garden, symbolizing peace and tranquility, is a perfectly valid reason to have one. Many Buddhists do so and have little shrines set up under trees. The only reason I haven't done so is the presence of the garden cats - I wouldn't want them marking their territory and spraying the statue!
DeleteI have seen grottoes in various gardens here, with statues of Our Lady in them; I'm not sure if I've seen any statues of Jesus in a garden setting, though.
It wasn't the statue, itself, that I was concerned about. It was the turning of the statue into a utensil of sorts (in this case, an air freshener) that bothered me. A statue of Jesus for placing on a shelf in your house, as opposed to a Jesus shaped air freshener.
A statue of the Buddha in a nice garden setting, by the pond, near a plant or two would be very nice and appropriate. A statue of the Buddha that doubled up as a planter, maybe not as much (I've seen those, too). So, if you still wish to place a Buddha statue in your garden, Susan, you have this Buddhist's blessings to do so. :)
Hi Bless! Happy New Year! I enjoyed catching up reading of all your visits to your relatives, and times with your daughter. I think your Buddha is tasteful so in that case it is fine. Who knows if it is proper or not! But, as long as we do things with good intentions! You're right...I see Buddha's everywhere for decoration. I think that it is less meaningful when there is no personal belief behind it. I probably have too many Catholic statues in my house! One of our Catholic t.v. channels call these "holy reminders" and that is what they are for me. Andrea
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you, too, Andrea! Yes, the intentions are what is important. I know my friend gave this gift to me with the best of intentions, so I am happy.
DeleteI think it is perfectly fine to have as many statues of religious icons as one likes. They are definitely "holy reminders", aren't they? But, I daresay, all your Catholic statues are just that - statues and holy reminders. Or, do you have any that are utensils, as well, serving as air fresheners, or planters, or pen holders, etc.?
It is an attractive little statue of Buddha, but like you I do wonder at the idea of it being an air freshener! Still, it was thoughtful of your friend to have your faith in mind when she was choosing the gifts. At least you are not offended and can just enjoy it as a symbol of friendship as well as an extra symbol of your faith in your home.
ReplyDeleteYears ago a young Anglican priest was sharing how he had a friend who made a habit of collecting "religious kitsch". Apparently his latest prized item was a bottle for holy water in the form of the Virgin Mary, and her head unscrewed! I couldn't bring myself to use such a container as it does seem disrespectful. But we are all different and some people may like it.
Bushlady, I have one of those bottle of holy water in the form of Our Lady of Lourdes - family who make annual pilgrimages to Lourdes often bring back holy water in such bottles. Since they are Catholic, I assume they are comfortable with such bottles, but I place the ones they give me on the altar, along with my bottles of blessed water (which are in regular water bottles, not shaped like the Buddha!)
DeleteI have pondered your blog post off and on today regarding your Buddha ceramic shaped air freshener. I understand your friend gave this to you with the very best intentions however to me it is not appropriate. It is not the same as giving the rather cute ceramic cat your daughter received.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandy. I know she gave it to me with good intentions, so I will accept it as such. But, it is not something I would have given as a gift to someone else.
DeleteHi my friend! I was given a Buddhist statue years ago by my parents that they bought in Hong Kong. I am a Christian and I loved that statue because it reminded me of home, peace, and all my friends that were Buddhist. Unfortunately, I do not have it anymore and I wish I did. It brought me great joy and peace.
ReplyDeleteHi, Debbie. I think it is wonderful that a Buddha statue would remind you of home and bring you peace and joy. These are good things to be reminded of, aren't they?
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