Idol worship is the act of believing that a physical object has supernatural powers; thus, the object is worshiped or venerated. The background of this faith involves primitive, superstitious elements; the relationship between the object and the believers consists of a kind of blackmail in which the believer promises something for services rendered.
When Buddhists bow towards the Buddha image, it is often considered idol worship. This is a misunderstanding on the part of the spectator. The real meaning of paying respects to the Buddha and to the Bodhisattva images is not for gaining benefits from them, but for following the BuddhaÂ’s Path and Teaching in a spirit of humility and gratitude.
Buddhism is a religion of awakening for us to lead a complete and happy life by our own efforts. We can often think about the virtues and wonderful wisdom of the Buddha (as seen in the teachings) without even having a Buddha image, these recollections help us to improve, too. Yet, the visual image of the Buddha assists our faith; it makes us peaceful, calm and balanced, and we feel his existence in our hearts. And also we make the resolution of practicing more faithfully by chanting, meditating and living wholesome lives. Thus, it is not idol worship, but homage to the Buddha represented by the image of the Buddha. This is the real meaning of paying respects to the Buddha.
Seven Ways of bowing to the Buddhahttp://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=184786