The Cult of Relics in Buddhism: An Introduction to the Problematic and Main Research Conceptualizations

A. Yu. Gunskii

The Cult of Relics in Buddhism: An Introduction to the Problematic and Main Research Conceptualizations

A. Yu. Gunskii

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Abstract

This article analyzes the main English-language works and the concepts related to the study of the Buddhist cult of relics. This area of research is actively developing in global Buddhology, while only the first publications in this area are appearing in the Russian academic literature. The introductory part of the article gives the classification of Buddhist relics and briefly examines the historical and terminological issues associated with this cult. Next, three main research approaches to this phenomenon are considered. The first considers relics as an ontological and/or functional equivalent of the Buddha, who left this world and entered nirvana. Within this framework, the most typical interpretation perceives the relics as special “bodies” of the Buddha. The second, “narrative” approach, considers the relics of the Buddha and the stories associated with them as a continuation of the Buddha’s “biography.” The third approach looks at the connection between relics and power relations. The last two concepts, however, seem to be complementary to the first one which remains fundamental.

Keywords

relics of the Buddha, cult of relics, whole-body relics, rematerialization of Buddhism, “presence” of the Buddha, relics and power

About the Author

A. Yu. Gunskii

Institute of East Culture
Russian Federation

Aleksey Yu. Gunskii — Research Fellow

Samara

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Review

For citations:

Gunskii A.Yu. The Cult of Relics in Buddhism: An Introduction to the Problematic and Main Research Conceptualizations. State, Religion and Church in Russia and Worldwide. 2026;44(1):31-62. (In Russ.)

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