A few days ago, some netizens came to ask whether it is possible to take pictures of Buddha statues when taking pictures in temples. They asked if there is a rule against taking pictures of Buddha statues when taking pictures in temples. Here, I will make a special post about what I know. , letโs talk to you about the taboo topics about taking pictures in temples.
"Bodhi has no tree, and the mirror is not a stand. There is nothing in the first place. How can it cause dust?"
First of all, I would like to declare that the editor is just an ordinary freelance photographer, not a convert. I am not interested in taking pictures of ancient buildings and temples. I donโt have any particular preferences, and I havenโt walked through too many temples and photographed them, so Iโm just telling you what I know. Any corrections are welcome.
Temple generally refers to a place where family members conduct religious activities. It is a place where believers worship and practice as monks. As ordinary people, when we enter such a sacred and solemn place, we must abide by the rules and regulations of the local temple. Respect the habits and requirements of monks. If you see places with "no photography" expressly stated and monks who have clearly stated that they do not allow you to take photos, you must not take photos. This is the most basic courtesy and respect.
When ordinary people like us walk into a temple, we will immediately be attracted by the solemn architecture and exquisite Buddha statues here, and we canโt help but take out our cameras and mobile phones to record them. Personally, I think itโs okay to take pictures of the exterior of the building and take photos of yourself and your friends outside the temple, as long as itโs not somewhere with a โNo Photographyโ sign. What's more, many temples have now become scenic spots. Since they are scenic spots, it is even more important that everyone is not allowed to take photos outdoors.
So, what about those Buddha statues in the temple?
Actually speaking, the Buddha statue is a kind of carrier. It is the image carrier for believers to chant sutras, recite Buddha's name, kneel down, and burn incense to pray every day. It is the most sacred and inviolable in their minds, so it is displayed in various temples and halls. None of the Buddha statues can be photographed.
Why canโt you take pictures of the Buddha statues in the temple? In fact, the biggest fear of these Buddha statues and murals is not taking pictures, but the flash when taking pictures. Generally speaking, the lights in temple halls are relatively dark. Some tourists will use flash when taking pictures. The strong light released by the camera's flash when working will produce a chemical reaction on statues and murals, accelerating their fading and discoloration. Aging...get it, this is the main reason why photography of Buddha statues in temples is not allowed.
Buddha statues that believers worship are not allowed to be photographed. In fact, it is not necessarily the case. Those Buddha statues in the open air can be photographed, because here they are not only Buddha statues, but also exquisite works of art. . For example, in some non-monastery scenic spots, such as Leshan Giant Buddha, Dazu Rock Carvings, Longmen Grottoes, etc., the famous Buddha statues in the scenic spots can be photographed.
This Thousand-Armed Guanyin statue of Dazu Rock Carvings in Chongqing can be photographed even if it is indoors.
As for the outdoor Buddha statues in temple scenic spots, I have not been to many temples, but in the Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou and Henan Songshan Shaolin Temple I have seen many people and the outdoor Buddha statues. It should be possible to take a group photo.
Take the Huayan Temple in Chongqing that I just visited a few days ago. As soon as I walked into the temple gate, I was faced with a big golden Buddha. Can I take pictures? Of course I can!
Look at this scene. There are layers of potted lotus flowers in front of the Big Golden Buddha. Unless you take the photo from the opposite direction or take a detailed close-up, you can't avoid it anyway. I want Huayan to build a big Buddha there. The original intention must be to make the temple more beautiful when photographed, rather than to curse the tourists who photographed the Buddha.
In addition to the big golden Buddha, there are also a white Guanyin statue and a black Ksitigarbha statue outside Huayan Temple. In addition to paying homage to everyone, these Buddha statues can all be photographed.
Without love, there is no worry, without desire, there is no pursuit, without anger, there is no invincibility, and no resentment is the Buddha. There is a saying in Buddhism that "the ordinary mind is the way" and "every step is the way". The Buddha's heart can be everywhere , or it can be indifferent and traceless. A true Buddha's heart does not only exist in temples, nor does it only exist in wanderers in famous mountains and rivers... In fact, all the troubles in the world are just Itโs just an obsession that canโt be let go. For ordinary people, as long as they have respect and awe for these open-air Buddha statues, taking a few photos should not be a big deal.
