"Please Do Not Desecrate the Buddha's Images"

We would like to draw public attention to our concern about the usage of the Buddhist or Buddha's images in commercial products such as Bikinis, Shorts, Shirts, Pants, Toys etc., and disrespectful references in any forms. (Ref: http://www.nibbana.com/news1.htm#others)

To all people in the world it is not acceptable to exploit religion for any financial or personal gains as it violates the basic laws or human civilization in global community. To all Buddhists, use of clothings with the images of the Buddha is unthinkable and we can get extremely upset when these items are seen or displayed in public. To take a sacred image or icon that is venerated and place over ones private part is a vulgar desecration and insult to any faith. Primarily, it insults those whose faith it represents and secondarily insults all people of faith and may trigger retaliatory responses, creating religious tension in the global community.

Buddhists (estimated to number 400 million worldwide) value peace and goodwill to all people. The Buddha represents the philosophy of human wellbeing and contentment inherent in Buddhism. Again, Buddhists wish this for everyone. We object to the use of the Buddha images to contradict the essence of Buddhism in this manner. It is an obscene mockery by all vendors exploiting the salient features of our Faith.

We write on the behalf of all Buddhists and all good citizens of the world regardless of their religious conviction to protest and petition against the manufacturers, distributors, vendors and creators of all these items. They should be sensitive to all religions and religious communities that comprise the global public, their potential consumers and targets of their media promotions.

1. The advertisement (online, catalouge or by traditional methods) and any desecrating reference in public to Buddhism or Buddhist images should be avoided or stopped.

2. An order for a recall of all sold products of the offending design should be placed.

3. A public apology from all those concerned to all Buddhists should be announced.

4. Legislature to stop desecration, denigration and the abuse of any religion for any purpose should move forward in all countries.

Like any other religion, Buddhism is the conscientious and spiritual belief of a population. It should not be treated as a marketing tool. Unfortunately, too often are Asian religions and cultures glorified to the Western population. We would appreciate the offenders and legislators respond to our requests regarding this increasingly disturbing phenomenon.