One of the best methods to increase our faith in the Buddhas and to receive their blessings is to gaze at an image of a Buddha again and again, regarding it as an actual Buddha who is supremely kind to all living beings.

When we see a Buddha statue, for example, instead of thinking of it as an object made of metal or stone, or focusing on its artistic faults or merits, we should feel that we are in the presence of a real living Buddha and develop deep faith.

By viewing images of Buddhas in this way, it is as if we are opening a window in our mind through which the blessings of the holy beings can enter.

This special way of viewing Buddha images is based on wisdom, not ignorance, and serves to increase our faith and receive blessings. The representations of Buddhas’ body, speech, and mind are so blessed that, even if we have no faith, just seeing them blesses our mind.