Upon entering the front hall of the temple, one is met with the
idea of ‘protection’ from the celestial beings and as one stands
before the Buddha’s image, one is reminded of Sakyamuni’s com-
passion, benevolence and wisdom. Looking at the Bodhisattvas’
images he sees their particular attributes so that Kuan Yin’s im-
age instantly reminds him of her infinite mercy, compassion and
other gentle qualities. Many a troubled mind have found solace
and comfort upon looking at the sweet image of Kuan Yin. Even
the animals which are portrayed with the deities have their own
symbolic meanings. us Fu Hsien’s great white elephant indi-
cates purity, caution, strength, gentleness and a weighty dignity
while the lion of Wen-shu represents honour, boldness, bravery
and a fresh, eager and advancing spirit as well as the wild and
almost untameable spirit of the unruly mind which one must
eventually subdue in order to gain wisdom and enlightenment.
In the Arhat’s images one sees those who have perfected them-
selves by ridding their worldly passions and earned the freedom
from samsaric sufferings. Such is the symbolism of the Chinese
Buddhist images which one should know of instead of jumping
into wrong conclusions, which are the causes of ill-will. ere-
fore when a Buddhist bows before a holy image and makes his
offerings, one should know that this is but an act of respect and
veneration to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.