In the serene Upavattana Sāla Grove at Kusinārā, the Buddha, in his final moments, offered teachings that would resonate through centuries. According to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16), the Buddha requested the division of his relics among the people, not as mere sacred objects but as instruments of peace and unity. This pivotal moment shaped the veneration of relics in Buddhism, turning them into catalysts for societal harmony.
The Buddha's Guidance on Relics
As recorded in the Sutta, the Buddha stated: “Just as my Dhamma is divided into portions for the benefit of the world, so let my relics be divided for the benefit of all beings.” Following his parinibbāna, disputes arose among eight kingdoms over the relics. A wise Brahmin, Doṇa, intervened, averting warfare and dividing the relics peacefully. This not only demonstrated the potential of relics as symbols of unity but also paved the way for their enshrinement in stupas.
According to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, four categories of individuals were deemed worthy of stupas (thūpas):
Tathāgata: Fully enlightened Buddhas like Gotama Buddha.
Paccekabuddha: Solitary Buddhas who attain enlightenment independently.
Arahants: Enlightened disciples of the Buddha, exemplifying nibbāna.
Cakkavatti: Righteous Universal Monarchs who uphold Dhamma.
These relics became sources of inspiration and were believed to generate positive kamma among followers.
Relic Distribution Post-Buddha
After the Buddha’s cremation, his relics were divided into eight portions distributed among:
Magadha
Vesāli
Kapilavatthu
Allakappa
Rāmagāma
Veṭhadīpa
Pāvā
Kusinārā
The Ashokan Question: 84 or 84,000 Stupas?
King Ashoka, a significant figure in Buddhist history, played a pivotal role in disseminating Buddhism. Following his conversion, Ashoka undertook the monumental project of redistributing the Buddha's relics. He opened the original seven stupas (with Rāmagāma left untouched) and enshrined relics in new stupas across his empire.
Ashoka is traditionally credited with constructing 84,000 stupas. However, this number is often seen as symbolic, representing the 84,000 sections of the Dhamma. Historical evidence and archaeological surveys suggest that the actual number of stupas might be closer to 84. According to findings by the Archaeological Survey of India, this accounts for stupas constructed in strategic locations throughout the subcontinent.
Evidence and Interpretation
Symbolic Context: The figure of 84,000 may symbolize the vastness of the Dhamma rather than a literal count.
Archaeological Records: Excavations reveal relic stupas built during Ashoka's reign but offer no confirmation of the exaggerated number.
Cultural Spread: The stupas facilitated the spread of Buddhism to Central Asia, Sri Lanka, and beyond, underscoring Ashoka's intention to unify his empire through religion.
Cultural and Diplomatic Influence
The stupas not only promoted Buddhist teachings but also established:
Pilgrimage Centers: Encouraged cultural exchanges around relic temples.
Peaceful Diplomacy: Strengthened ties with neighboring regions through shared religious values.
Unified Communities: Fostered social integration across diverse groups.
Ashoka’s Expansion of the Tradition
King Ashoka’s role was pivotal in transforming the practice of relic veneration into a global phenomenon. His efforts included not only the construction of stupas but also a comprehensive strategy to expand the reach of the Dhamma.
Historical Context:
Ashoka orchestrated the redistribution of the Buddha's relics. He opened the original seven stupas (except the Rāmagāma stupa protected by nāgas) and enshrined relics across his empire.
Symbolic Numerology and the Function of 84,000:
Ashoka is traditionally regarded as having built 84,000 stupas. However, archaeological evidence suggests the number might symbolize the extensive nature of the Dhamma's 84,000 teachings rather than literal stupas. In reality, fewer than 84 stupas have been confirmed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Yet Ashoka’s endeavors extended beyond architecture:
He supported the distribution of the Buddha’s teachings across vast territories, assisted by his son Mahinda and daughter Sanghamitta, who played key roles in spreading the Dhamma to Sri Lanka.
He encouraged ordination, allowing his children to become a Bhikkhu and Bhikkhuni.
His financial and logistical support established Dhamma teaching schools, offering both material resources and human expertise, including monks and diplomats.
This holistic approach to propagating the Dhamma could metaphorically represent the "construction" of 84,000 stupas, each stupa symbolizing an aspect of the Buddha’s teachings.
Geographical and Diplomatic Reach:
Ashoka’s distribution efforts expanded across the Indian subcontinent, into modern-day Afghanistan, Central Asia, and Sri Lanka.
He established centers of Buddhist learning and pilgrimage, turning stupas into hubs for cultural and religious exchange.
Legacy of Stupa Construction
Architectural Innovation:
Ashoka’s stupas featured standardized designs, sacred relic chambers, and inscriptions.
They became prototypes for later Buddhist architecture, inspiring construction across Asia.
Diplomatic Success:
Relics served as symbols of peace, fostering alliances between kingdoms.
Cultural Integration:
Pilgrimage centers created multi-ethnic communities.
Shared rituals and practices integrated diverse cultural groups.
Reconciling the Numbers
While the symbolic 84,000 may represent the Dhamma’s teachings in their entirety, the confirmed archaeological stupas numbered closer to 84. Nevertheless, Ashoka’s profound contributions far exceeded mere numerical assessments. Through his comprehensive support for ordination, teaching infrastructure, and relic veneration, Ashoka effectively brought the Buddha’s 84,000 teachings to life.
King Ashoka’s role in the propagation of the Dhamma exemplifies a blend of literal achievements and symbolic interpretations. While tangible evidence supports the construction of approximately 84 stupas, his broader efforts to promote Buddhist teachings, including the ordination of his children and establishment of schools, symbolize the fulfillment of the Buddha’s 84,000 teachings. In this way, Ashoka assumed a monumental legacy, not just as a builder of stupas but as a unifier and global advocate of the Dhamma’s peace, wisdom, and unity.
Remark!
I understand the 84000 Pagoda's history is complex and interpretations vary. My aim is to present information gleaned from research, acknowledging that different perspectives exist regarding its origins and development. I will focus on compiling factual data found in various sources, avoiding claims of definitive truth and respecting the diverse narratives surrounding this significant site. My intention is purely informative, offering a compilation of research findings without entering into any historical debate or argument.
