Study Notes Buddhas relics and pilgrimage

Introduction

  • Instructor greets students and hopes they are having a good week.

  • Recap of previous module discussing different types of Buddhist relics and their functions.

    • Covered original Buddha's relics and various relics from other prominent Buddhists.

    • Focus on Sarira and occasionally self-mummified Buddhist monks.

  • Upcoming discussion focuses on structures housing relics, particularly stupas and smaller Buddhist reliquaries.

Definition of Pilgrimage

  • Instructor presents the term "pilgrimage" used in the religious context:

    • Pilgrimage means a long journey, often to honor a person, place, or thing.

    • Example: Visiting Graceland can be considered a pilgrimage for Elvis fans; visiting every MLB stadium can also be seen as a pilgrimage for baseball enthusiasts.

  • In religious context, pilgrimage is defined as:

    • A journey to a sacred place as an act of religious devotion.

    • A long trip to a holy place for religious reasons.

  • In this course section, pilgrimage refers specifically to long journeys undertaken to visit Buddhist relics.

Background on Buddhist Pilgrimage

  • Pilgrimage began shortly after the Buddha's death in April:

    • Buddhist monks and laypeople began making pilgrimages to sites associated with the Buddha's life.

    • Reference to Facien, a Buddhist manga from the fourth century CE describing the early pilgrimage.

  • Buddha encouraged followers to visit four holy sites:

    • His birthplace.

    • The Bodhi Tree where he attained enlightenment.

    • The site of his first sermon.

    • The place of his death.

  • Posthumously, people began to visit stupas where the Buddha's ashes were interred and later stupas of other prominent Buddhist figures.

  • As Buddhism spread beyond Nepal, local pilgrimage sites emerged for various Buddhas.

Reasons for Undertaking Pilgrimage

  • Pilgrimage is an expression of faith and devotion:

    • Involves sacrifices of time, finances, and personal commitments.

  • Pilgrims may seek to:

    • Acquire blessings.

    • Gain merits or healing.

    • Seek enlightenment.

    • Remind themselves of the Buddha's teachings and inspire devotion.

  • The tangibility of pilgrimage sites:

    • Close physical proximity to locations associated with the Buddha or his relics is significant for devotees.

Structures Housing Relics: Stupas

  • Definition and Structure:

    • Stupas are mound-like or hemispherical structures that house Buddhist relics, similar in design to pre-Buddhist graves used in Hindu traditions.

    • They were traditionally sealed buildings that held relics in the center and were accessible for circumambulation by worshippers.

  • Types of Stupas:

    • Relic Stupas: Contain primary relics or remains of the Buddha, his disciples, or other Buddhist saints.

    • Object Stupas: Contain secondary relics, such as objects associated with the Buddha or his disciples (e.g., begging bowl, robe).

    • Commemorative Stupas: Mark significant events in the Buddha's life or places associated with him.

  • Great Stupa at Sanchi:

    • Built in the third century BCE by Emperor Ashoka, one of the oldest stone structures in India.

    • Initially a simple domed brick structure, later expanded and decorated, demonstrating devotion and investment.

    • Acts as a community hub for monastic life, pilgrimage, and economic activity due to visitation from pilgrims.

    • Features include smaller stupas for other Buddhist figures and a supportive community infrastructure.

Architectural Evolution of Stupas and Pagodas

  • As Buddhism spread, structures evolved:

    • Indian stupas became taller and more elaborate and evolved into pagodas as the tradition moved eastward to China and Japan.

  • Pagodas:

    • An evolution of the stupa, serving the same purpose of housing relics.

    • Popularity grew across Asia due to monks, missionaries, and pilgrims transporting relics.

    • Architectural features varied according to local customs and styles, integrating elements of local towers and pavilions.

  • Examples of Pagodas:

    • Structures such as the Iron Pagoda in Kaifeng, China, showcasing regional architectural adaptation.

    • Cultural significance indicated through elaborate designs and structures set apart from typical surroundings.

    • Notable sites, like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore, showcase opulence, illuminating the societal value placed on relics through artistic endeavors.

Smaller Reliquaries

  • Smaller reliquaries serve to protect and showcase Buddhist relics:

    • Can be made in various forms and materials, including clay, stone, crystal, and precious metals.

    • Often placed within stupas or temples for either visibility or security.

  • Examples of Reliquaries:

    • Pakistani reliquaries from the fourth and fifth century.

    • Items may include bones, secondary relics, and precious materials indicating the societal value of the relics.

  • Pilgrimage Experience:

    • Pilgrims come to visit stupas and reliquaries to show devotion, seek miracles, and participate in the religious community.

Conclusion

  • Reflection on the importance of relics and pilgrimage in Buddhist societies:

    • Significance of both grand structures and smaller reliquaries to religious and cultural values.

  • Presentation of a case study of Sri Lanka in the next part of the course to integrate discussions on Buddhist relics and pilgrimage practices.