Beliefs Regarding the Rituals of Casting Buddha Statues in the Modern Buddhist Era

Abstract

The academic article on the belief in the ritual of casting Buddha images in the modern Buddhist way consists of three steps: 1. The auspicious worship ceremony to pay homage to the deities, 2. The chanting of Buddhist scriptures, and 3. The casting of the Buddha image. The current practice of casting Buddha images stems from the strong beliefs and faith of the creators, who aspire for the merit that comes from this act. The merit begins from the intention to create, which is rooted in faith, categorized as the faith of the Tathagata. When donating resources for the creation, it is considered a form of generosity (dana paramita). Actively participating in the creation of Buddha images is regarded as a wholesome deed (kusala). Promoting Buddhist art to flourish and spread is a way to preserve the teachings of Buddhism.
From a social perspective, the belief in the modern Buddhist ritual of casting Buddha images fosters community unity. The ritual of casting Buddha images becomes a narrative shared among community members, forming a legend about that particular Buddha image. The mind is constantly reminded of the Buddha, serving as a basis for mindfulness (Buddha-anusati). This sense of fulfillment and happiness ensures that the flame of faith in Buddhism does not fade away, remaining steadfast among Buddhists forever.