Relics, Ritual, and Representation in Buddhism

This study draws on textual and archaeological evidence to examine the place of relic veneration in the history of South Asian Buddhism. By analysing the abstract ideas, emotional orientations, and ritualized behaviours centred on the Buddha's material remains, the author contributes to the 'rematerializing' of Buddhism presently under way among Western scholars.

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This book is a serious study of relic veneration among South Asian Buddhists. Drawing on textual sources and archaeological evidence from India and Sri Lanka, including material rarely examined in the West, it looks specifically at the practice of relic veneration in the Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhist tradition. The author portrays relic veneration as a technology of remembrance and representation which makes present the Buddha of the past for living Buddhists. By analysing the abstract ideas, emotional orientation and ritual behaviour centred on the Buddha's material remains, he contributes to the 'rematerializing' of Buddhism which is currently under way among Western scholars. This book is an excellent introduction to Buddhist relics. It is well written and accessible and will be read by scholars and serious students of Buddhism and religious studies for years to come.