Buddha Images in Publicity Guidelines

When we are using a Buddha image in publicity material, there are some guidelines we should follow.

NOTE: These are all examples of what NOT to do.

#1 Don’t cut a face

In general we shouldn’t cut anyone off at the face, but especially not Buddha images. For ordinary people, this doesn’t disturb them, but our audience will find it disrespectful. For example:

#2 No statues wearing or holding things

#3 No text overlay

In general, there should be no text over any body, even people. But we should never layer text over a Buddha image.

#4 Try to use Theravada Buddha Statues

When doing publicity to non-Sri Lankans, it doesn’t really matter if the Buddha statue is from China or Japan or Tibet. But for publicity in Sri Lanka, it is better to stick with statues from Theravada countries.

How can you tell??? The best clue is that non-Theravada statues often have both shoulders covered with the chest showing. For example:

# 5 Misc. Odd Things

a) Leaning head

Never use this very common head-on-knee Buddha. It’s a modern thing and looks so strange.

b) praying hands & c) jewelry

The praying hands Buddha is found in Thailand. It is never seen in Sri Lanka so don’t use.

Jewelry is seen on many Burmese statues and some Thai statues. Avoid.

d) Not the Buddha

This is not the Buddha.