Role of religious art and imagery

The Buddha himself was simply a man who achieved enlightenment (a complete understanding of the nature of life) through experience, observation, and meditation.  Buddhism’s primary focus is therefore on the Buddha’s teaching, not on the Buddha’s person.  Buddhist sites are sometimes decorated with representations of the teaching such as the footprint (representing the Buddha’s impact) and the wheel (representing the Buddha’s teaching described as the “wheel of law”).  

The most basic role of Buddha images is to convey the feeling of calm and detachment that reflects proper mental discipline with control over the negative emotions of fear and greed.  The Buddha's serene appearance sets an example for his followers.

Buddha statues and other Buddhist art also serve an important role in conveying teachings, particularly in traditional societies with low rates of literacy.  Classic postures are associated with particular lessons and/or moments in the Buddha’s life.  Production of religious art is considered a generous or “merit making” activity because it helps spread Buddhist teaching and reduce people’s suffering