The Buddha’s Story Continues: Afterlives of the Relics

Abstract

This chapter picks up on the Buddha’s life story from the cremation of his body and focuses on narratives associated with the relics that survive his final nirvana. It describes what Buddha relics are understood to be according to Buddhist traditions. Next it outlines and examines how Buddha relics were collected and distributed among his followers, focusing on the key roles played by King Ajatasattu and King Asoka in ancient India. Stories about the spread and worship of relics beyond India are discussed, including accounts of relics and Buddha images that were brought and enshrined in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and China. Finally, it discusses how the relics have been predicted to come to an end, and why this end is important for framing the Buddha’s life story.

Department(s)

Language, Cultures and Religions

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.1093/oso/9780197649466.003.0010

Keywords

Ajatasattu, Asoka, bodhi tree, China, image, Mahakassapa, Maitreya, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, thupa

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Journal Title

Buddha A Storied Life

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