Buddha Shakyamuni under Bodhi tree

Shakyamuni Buddha symbolises the enlightened quality of spirit, which all living beings can attain. He also symbolises all qualities one can think of, in a perfect and pure expression. By way of mental training, shortcomings of the human existence can be overcome, and what remains is the enlightened spirit. Everyone can reach this state – Shakyamuni Buddha has demonstrated this, and passed this on to us.
Thus, His image is very popular and is mostly used to remind us of these enlightened qualities, and to develop those.
In many homes, one can find nowadays a special meditation area, with a favourite statue of the Buddha, flowers, candles, scents and pictures of close ones. It is a place where we may come to remember who we really are, and to meditate.