Explainer | China thief steals 20 Buddha statues for worship, claims they can change his fate – how so?
In the wake of theft of more than 20 Buddha statues by a man in China who said he went on the thieving spree in the belief that it would “change his fate” the Post explains why such beliefs exist on the mainland.
The man, surnamed Wang, had moved to Shaoxing in Zhejiang province in eastern China for work.
He believed that worshipping more Buddha statues would improve his destiny.
He set up an elaborate altar adorned with fruit, pastries, incense and candles in his cramped home, and even repainted some of the stolen statues in his favourite colour, red, creating an eerie atmosphere that shocked police.
The case, reported by the mainland news outlet, The Paper, has prompted people to ask why people believe such actions can alter their fate in Chinese culture.
Disaster and karma
The Buddhist faith holds that misfortunes such as illness, car accidents, poverty and failed marriages are all the result of karma.
Therefore, many devotees believe that by worshipping Buddha statues they will act as proxies, enduring calamities in their place.
The more statues a devotee has and the longer they are worshipped, the more effective they are.
In an ancient case, while on death row, a man called Lu Hui, asked his family to acquire a statue of Guanyin (Goddess of Mercy) at home and prayed devoutly for divine intervention to avoid execution.
On the day he was supposed to die, the executioner’s blade shattered after three unsuccessful strikes, to which Lu said: “It must be due to the great compassionate power of Guanyin Bodhisattva!”
Officials carried out an investigation at his home and discovered three distinct knife marks on the neck of the Guanyin statue. A higher level court then released Lu.
Feng shui
Placing a Buddha statue at home can enhance feng shui, but proper placement is crucial.
The statue should not be placed in bedrooms, kitchens, or bathrooms, as these locations might involve killing, as in the preparation of food, or are unclean.
The ideal location for a statue is a high place in the living room, ensuring it is above waist level. The area must be kept clean, and offerings should be replaced daily.
Such statues are considered to possess sacred energy that brings peace and blessings, dispels negative energy, and fosters family harmony and health.
Spiritual redemption
While worshipping Buddha statues, some devotees not only express their gratitude through worship and prayer but also seek spiritual solace and blessings.
This act of devotion can inspire kindness and positive energy, helping them stay resilient and strong in the face of difficulties and challenges in life.
Also, the worshipping process allows devotees to reflect on their actions and thoughts, identify shortcomings and make improvements, fostering a deeper sense of spiritual purification and inner peace.
