Relics, Ritual, and Representation in Buddhism

Discover the profound significance of relics in South Asian Buddhism with Relics, Ritual, and Representation in Buddhism by Kevin Trainor. Published by Cambridge University Press in 2007, this insightful volume spans 240 pages, delving deep into the intricate relationships between relic veneration and the rituals that shape Buddhist practices.

Trainor expertly combines textual and archaeological evidence to illuminate how the physical remnants of the Buddha influence abstract concepts, emotional responses, and ceremonial behaviors within the Buddhist community. His analysis sheds light on the ongoing 'rematerializing' of Buddhism, a growing focus among Western scholars. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of history, culture, and religion in the context of Buddhism.