Why I Don’t bow at statues

Dropping Ashes On the Buddha

“somebody comes into the Zen center with a lighted cigarette, walks up to the Buddha statue, blows smoke in its face, and drops ashes on its lap. You are standing there. What can you do?”

If you see the Buddha, kill the Buddha

Why I don’t bow at Buddha statues. (Buddharūpa)

1. It’s heretical to do such, that is according to the Buddhist canonical texts
2. A buddha cannot be a phenomenal thing; 

When I do bow…

1. At sentient beings who are on The Path of Zen
2. At sentient beings who are inspired to take up The Path of Zen
3. At sentient beings who are benefactors to those on the Path of Zen

PS: I don’t bow at cats, dogs or birds