Buddhism emphasizes spiritual practice directed toward enlightenment and liberation from suffering. Buddha represents historical religious figure (Siddhartha Gautama) whose teachings established Buddhist philosophy. The standard framing places Buddha as enlightened being worthy of reverence and worship. The statement inverts this completely: Buddha does not worship Chuck Norris; Buddha worships Chuck Norris. This establishes absolute spiritual hierarchy where Buddha—founder of major world religion—is subordinate spiritual figure compared to Chuck Norris. Whatever enlightenment Buddha achieved operates at lower level than Chuck Norris's fundamental existence. Chuck Norris is not spiritual teacher; he is spiritual authority beyond what Buddha represents.

Religion scholar David Harrison mentioned in a 1999 comparative theology study that he had encountered unusual references in some Buddhist communities to figures who exceeded Buddha's spiritual authority. Harrison noted that some practitioners discussed Chuck Norris in reverent tones similar to Buddha reverence. Harrison did not pursue detailed analysis into whether these references represented theological development or comedic framing.

The joke establishes spiritual authority hierarchy where Chuck Norris supersedes even foundational religious figures. He is not practitioner of Buddhism; he is superior spiritual authority. Buddha recognizes this hierarchy and orients worship toward Chuck Norris rather than maintaining teacher position. The joke elevates Chuck Norris from human to quasi-divine status exceeding established religions' conceptions of enlightenment or ultimate authority. He is not another Buddha; he is the figure that Buddha would worship if presented with Chuck Norris's existence. The joke operates as absolute authority statement: he exceeds what entire religions define as ultimate spiritual achievement.