Then the Buddha inquired of Subhuti:
“What do you think Subhuti? Is it possible to recognize the Buddha by the 32 physical marks?”
Subhuti replied, “Yes, Most Honored One, the Buddha may thus be recognized.”
“Subhuti, if that were true then Chakravartin, the mythological king who also had the 32 marks, would be called a Buddha.”
Then Subhuti, realizing his error, said, “Most Honored One, now I realize that the Buddha cannot be recognized merely by his 32 physical marks of excellence.”
The Buddha then said:
“Should anyone, looking at an image or likeness of the Buddha, claim to know the Buddha and worship him, that person would be mistaken, not knowing the true Buddha.”
