Things you learn abroad

These days it’s chic to be into the Buddhist culture.   From sharing mostly untrue quotes from The Buddha on Facebook to decorating your bedroom in Buddhist flair.  You got it all wrong…

Buddhists have long been viewed as being a very tolerant religion.  Countries that have a Buddhist majority tend to be welcoming to strangers eager to learn about their culture.  After spending a lot of time in and around Buddhist countries over the last five years I have come to learn a lot about the norms, etiquette and what is considered offensive to an everyday Buddhist.

Tattoos 

Getting a tattoo of Buddha is considered a big taboo. It can often be taken as a show of disrespect.  In 2014 a woman from the U.K. was deported from Sri Lanka for having a Buddha tattoo.  There are many tattoos that are acceptable across many religions including Buddhism.   Although having one of Buddha himself is more often than not deemed offensive.

Buddha Statues

Having a Buddha statue has become another popular decor trend in the west.  Owning a Buddha statue in itself is not considered a faux pas. How you display it can be.  Much like a crucifix is a symbol of Christianity, Buddha is not to be used as decoration.  You do not need to be Buddhist to display a statue but it should be displayed with respect.  It should displayed on its own and not combined with other “knick-knacks” at a height above waist level.  The Buddah display is a shrine not decor

Buddha Heads

This one seems obvious but peddlers looking to make a buck have pushed this offensive display into living rooms across the country.  Most people understand that simply drawing Muhammad is offensive to many Muslims.  So I think it understandable that a Buddhist would find offense in displaying a  “Decapitated”  religious figurine of their spiritual leader.  I once visited a place of business back home in the U.S. where the owner seemed to relish the Buddhist culture.  I cringed when I saw Buddha head draw knobs on a cabinet.  Surely, using a religious icon head as a handle would seem like an obvious  no-no.

Of course not every Buddhist will be offended.  One westerner once told me “Buddha would be okay with this”.  That may hold water.  Though simply put, many followers are not okay with it.