When visiting temples or worshiping Buddha, I often see warning signs saying "No photo is allowed", and in some monasteries that do not specify it, there will be people reminding you "Don't take pictures of Buddha", or simply say "Don’t take pictures of Buddha." it is good".
Why?
but no one can tell.
I once asked a monk at Lingyin Temple in Hangzhou, "Can I take pictures in the temple?" He said that it's up to you, but it's not good to take pictures of Buddha directly.
Later I went to the Nangshan Cishou Temple in Putian, Fujian. A friend introduced me to the host Master Chang Hao.
I asked if I can take pictures in the temple? Is it good to shoot Buddha statues? Does Buddhism also need propaganda?
Master Chang Hao said that Buddhism does not publicize itself with much fanfare. Buddhism pays attention to fate, that is, whether you have a buddha relationship, buddhaship is destined, and you are waiting for a destined person.
Regarding the shooting of Buddha statues, he said that it is not that Buddha statues cannot be photographed, but that you are afraid that you will not take the photos properly, the shots are not rigorous and disrespectful, and the incomplete shots are not good.
If you can shoot beautiful, Zen, and Buddhist atmosphere, you will promote Buddhism and the temple will not refuse it.
In April 2021, I went to Shanghai to participate in a "Photography Culture Exchange Meeting" jointly organized by the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Photography Association and Jinshan Wanshou Temple. I came to Shanghai Jinshan Wanshou Temple with 40 Shanghai photographers , To conduct an in-depth photography and exchange of temple culture and Buddhist culture.
Wanshou Temple in Jinshan District is an earlier temple in Shanghai.It originated in the Three Kingdoms and flourished in the Song Dynasty. Later, it has experienced wars and chaos, several destructions and several constructions. It has a high reputation among the people. Now the construction is getting better and better, and it is very popular among believers. (This is a building that does not charge tickets and has no commercial operation. Temples that do not fortune telling or draw lots).
The abbot of Wanshou Temple continued to build a great monk. He also likes photography very much. He has more than ten years of shooting experience. He not only likes digital photography but also film creation. He has held exhibitions in the Photographers’ Association, and has worked with photography in the Buddhist world. The world has an impact.
He said that photographers are welcome to walk into the monastery to take pictures, and he also wants more people to understand the life of monasteries and monks, and to express Buddhist culture through photography...
talk To the main theme of the temple, the abbot Jianxu said only eight words: to promote the Dharma and serve the believers.
Photography can also be a way of expressing Buddhist culture. Photos can introduce Buddhist culture and temple life to the outside world more intuitively, and help believers understand Buddhism. It is a very good cultural exchange activity.
Wanshou Temple is a temple with a heavy cultural atmosphere. In addition to chanting and doing Buddhist works, the monks here also like photography. This exchange has also played a role in enriching the temple’s culture. The photographers who participated I am very excited. I have taken a lot of photos and videos in my 24-hour temple life creation.
So how does the temple take pictures?
I think it should be respect and awe first, and permission must be obtained first. In addition to the best not to take photos of Buddha images, there should also be taboos about monks’ practices and the shooting of believers. They should not affect normal activities or rely too much on the camera. It's almost unpleasant. You must hide in the corner and shoot quietly. The temple is a clean place, and the shooting must not affect other people.
In addition, the use of flashing lights should be prohibited in the temple,It is best to mute the camera or mobile phone, and use a tripod with permission first, and try to be as fast as possible, without too much delay or endless shooting.
(all photos were taken from Shanghai Jinshan Wanshou Temple)
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