He is standing on a fully opened lotus flower, representing the symbol of Enlightenment. His eyes are partially closed, symbolizing the need to look within. It symbolizes Universal Wisdom and Compassion, Eternal Life and Light. Shrines Each Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple has a large shrine at the front and each home has a small one in a central place of honor. Candles represent the light of wisdom.
Incense is burned in bowls, both sticks that are snapped into three, and granular.
A temple will have four vertical pillars around Amida Buddha to represent the Four Noble Truths. A gong, which looks like a large brass bowl on a cushion, is used during chanting and certain parts of the service. All of these items are to be found, in miniature on the home shrine. For more information read The Jodo Shinshu Shrine , published by Research and Publication Committee, Buddhist Churches of America, 1983. The lotus is frequently used in Buddhism to symbolize purity.