Question: Does it accord with the Right Dharma (正法) to portray images of the enlightened in simplified and even cartoonish (e.g. manga: 漫画) ways?
Answer: This is alright, as long as there are also presentations in the traditional majestic forms available.
However, the ‘cutesy’ versions should not trivialise who they represent, such that they become ‘nonsensical’ or against the very values the enlightened are supposed to represent, such as the compassion, wisdom and blessings that they offer.
Simplification should not mean trivialisation. There should thus be study of the enlightened beings’ core virtues before attempting to represent them in less traditional ways. This includes learning about their classic expressions, postures, dressing and Dharma instruments held.
