Description
Book SynopsisBuddhism is seen as a religion stressing the truth of impermanence. How, then, to account for the long-standing veneration, in Asian Buddhist communities, of bone fragments, and other bodily bits said to come from the historic Buddha? This book argues that relic veneration has played an integral role in Buddhist traditions in Southeast Asia.
Trade Review"In an engaging new study, John Strong surveys a number of legends surrounding the Buddha's relics in South and Southeast Asia. [He] suggests that narratives about the Buddha's relics ... extend the Buddha's legacy far beyond ancient India and contributed to the spread of dharma and the legitimization of Buddhist kings."--Holly Gayley, Buddhadharma "John S. Strong, in his Relics of the Buddha ... has achieved the first comprehensive study of Buddhist relics to date... [His] work will undoubtedly constitute, for decades to come, the standard for research on the larger meaning of relic veneration in the Buddhist world."--Brian O. Ruppert, Journal of Asian Studies "John S. Strong has produced a highly readable, engaging, lucidly argued and authoritative analysis of the place of relics across the Buddhist world. His book should be read by anyone in Buddhist studies and really by anyone interested in comparative religion, particularly in aspects of religion and material practice."--Jacob N. Kinnard, Religion
