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| Gilded Cherezig Statue at Tsuglakhang, the Main Temple of HH Dalai Lama in McleodGanj |
But to be fair, it's not entirely accurate.
Buddhism does not have a God, or gods, in the sense of a creator. The deities of Buddhism are (or were) living beings from different realms of Samsara. The historic Buddha, or Buddha Sakyamuni, was a man who became enlightened and taught how to transcend samsara, and is hence a supreme being. There are numerous other "deities" in Buddhism. (also recommended: Buddhas & Deities)
Statues of these deities are generally made from the finest materials an artist has available, and to the best of the artist's skill level, as a sign of respect and veneration. Hence the number of gilded (golden) ornate statues adorned with precious and semi-precious stone.
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| Buddha Sakyamuni Statue with Offerings at HH Dalai Lama Temple in McleodGanj The Statue at Left is the Buddha Meditating Before He Attained Enlightenment |
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| Maitreya, the "Future Buddha", in a Monastery in Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal |
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| Golden Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) Statue in HH Dalai Lama Temple, McleodGanj. The Pink Light represents an Offering of Flame |
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| Green Tara Statue at Pilgrimage Site in Tso Pema, HP, India |
All Images Copyright Tammy Winand
