Is the number 4 important to Buddhism?

Good evening.

I’m not certain of the picture to which you refer but it appears to have some similarity to the Buddha’s first teaching after his attaining Enlightenment.

During his initial trials as an extreme ascetic prior to Enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama stayed with five ascetics for a number of years. After attaining Enlightenment, the five ascetics became disenfranchised with the Buddha Shakyamuni since he renounced extreme asceticism having found The Middle Way. The five ascetics were taught by the Buddha the first lesson (the First Turning of the Wheel of Dharma). Upon hearing his teaching, they became his first disciples ( http://chandawimala.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archiv... ). I’m not sure but what you are referring to may be a representation of this first sermon. For a more detailed account see http://www.netplaces.com/buddhism/the-buddhas-teac... .

I also found the following (see http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gandhara_el... ) which contains four disciples being instructed by the Buddha. According to one source it depicts The First Turning of the Dharma Wheel (http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=ghandara+midte... ) but I have no idea why only four of the usual five ascetics are depicted.

As to your question regarding the number four in Buddhism, you may find this of some assistance: “Four – cattāro: The literal basis of this is the 4 directions, and hence ’4′ carries the connotation of ‘completion’, encompassing’, perfection and balance. It is in this sense that the ’4 noble truths’ are like an ‘elephant’s footprint’ that can encompass all other footprints; or that the ’4 assemblies’ constitute the perfect, balanced, and complete sasana. It is the most characteristic number in Buddhist texts. As well as being the most common in its own right, it is also common in its ‘strengthened’ forms: 8 (4 directions and 4 intermediate directions), 10 (the same, plus ‘above and below’, c.f. the basic passage on the 4 brahmaviharas.), and so on.” (from http://sujato.wordpress.com/2010/04/15/buddhist-nu... )

I hope this is of some help.

I'm not sure.

Number 3 seems to be the center of the religion.

1) Buddha

2) Dharma (his words/teaching)

3) Monks

Not entirely certain of number 4 importance, unless you mean the 4 Noble Truth.

But I found this link for you just now. You can check whether it is valid or not for yourself.

http://mysticalnumbers.com/number-4-in-buddhism

Hope that helps.

I don't know about the specific stature but in Buddhism four is significant because of the 'four noble truths'. Google them. They are fundamental to Buddhism and explain why we have a psychological need a theological framework. .

http://www.tamqui.com/buddhaworld/Four_stages_of_e...

NUMBERS are not important. Have no meanings either other than their function.

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=gandharan+buddh...

maybe one of them.