Question: Is it alright to wear images, names and mantras of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas on clothes, socks, shoes and such?
Answer: it is best not to wear prominent Buddhist imagery in the above ways, as we are far from holy, thus possibly tarnishing the image of the pure virtues they represent. They should not be worn to be fashionable, which is a display of egoistic vanity, and not true respect.
Small reminders bearing such images worn on pendants and prayer beads, or carried as cards are alright, but not big and loud ones, that might be misrepresented by the wearers’ less than respectful speech and actions. To most Buddhists, the lower Buddhist images are placed, nearer to the defiled ground, the less respectful it is too.
