When we bow down, make offerings, or recite the suttas to an image of the Buddha, what are we doing? Certainly, it is not to worship an idol; for in Buddhism, the image or statue has no supernatural powers. What we are worshipping instead are the virtues, qualities and accomplishments of the Buddha. His image serves as an object to help us focus our mind and help us recollect those qualities. As an object of veneration and admiration, the Buddha image serves to inspire us to follow his footsteps.

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