Chapter 4
Relics, Cultural Heritage, and Faith Communities
4.1 Purpose of this Chapter
In Chapter 2 we studied the meaning of Buddha’s relics in the texts. We saw that relics are not just bones or teeth. They support faith, merit, and practice. In Chapter 3 we looked at the custodians who care for relics and how they help to protect the Buddha’s dispensation (sāsana).
In this chapter, we put these ideas together and look at relics as cultural heritage. We will ask:
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How do relics and stupas act as heritage objects in Buddhist communities?
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How do rituals and festivals around relics bring faith communities together?
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How do teaching and education around relic sites keep Buddhist culture alive?
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In what ways can relics and their customs support social harmony, and in what ways can they become a cause of tension?
The aim of this chapter is to show that Buddha’s relics are part of a living heritage system. They connect past and present, material objects and inner values, local identity and universal teachings.
4.2 What is Cultural Heritage? (In Simple Terms)
Before we look at Buddhist relics, it is helpful to explain “cultural heritage” in simple language.
We can divide it into two main parts:
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Tangible (material) heritage
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Things we can touch and see, such as buildings, statues, books, paintings, robes, relics, and stupas.
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Intangible heritage
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Things we cannot touch, such as stories, songs, rituals, languages, values, and traditional knowledge.
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For example, a stupa with a relic inside is material heritage. The chanting of verses, the way people bow, the story of how the relic came there, and the festival held every year are intangible heritage.
Both are important. If we keep only the object but forget the stories, the heritage becomes “dead”. If we keep only the stories without the object, the tradition may slowly weaken and disappear. Heritage is strongest when object and meaning stay together.
In the case of Buddha’s relics:
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The relic and reliquary are tangible heritage.
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The teachings about the Buddha, the rituals of honour, the festivals, and the ethical lessons are intangible heritage.
Relic custodians must care for both sides if they want to keep the sāsana healthy and to support peace in society.
4.3 Relics as Anchors of Collective Memory
A key function of heritage is to support collective memory. Collective memory means the way a group remembers its past and understands who it is.
Buddhist relics do this in several ways:
1. Relics as reminders of the Buddha’s life
When believers see or imagine a relic, they remember key scenes from the Buddha’s life: his awakening, his teaching, his compassion, and his passing away. The story of the division of the relics after his final nirvāṇa is also an important part of this memory. Every stupa or shrine that claims to hold relics says, in effect:
“Here, in this place, we remember the Buddha and his qualities.”
Because of this, relic shrines are often included in pilgrimage routes. Pilgrims may visit several places that are linked by stories of the Buddha. The physical movement of pilgrims from one shrine to another helps to keep the stories alive in their minds.
2. Relics and local history
Many towns and villages tell their own story through a relic. For example, they may say:
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“Our city received these relics a thousand years ago from a famous king.”
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“We built this stupa after a great event or miracle.”
In this way, the history of the local community is tied to the history of the Buddha’s dispensation. The relic is like a “knot” that ties world history and local history together.
3. Relics and inter-generational connection
Old people take children and grandchildren to relic shrines and tell them stories. These stories may include:
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The life of the Buddha.
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The building of the shrine.
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The sacrifices of past donors.
By doing this, older generations pass on not only information, but also emotion – respect, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. The child may think:
“I am part of this long story. My grandparents came here. Their parents came here. I also will bring my children here.”
This is exactly what cultural heritage tries to protect: a living chain of memory and identity.
4.4 Relics and the Identity of Faith Communities
Relic shrines also play a strong role in forming community identity. Identity means how a group sees itself and how it is seen by others.
We can see this at different levels:
1. Local community identity
Relic shrines can become the “heart” of a village or city. People may say:
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“This is our town temple.”
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“This stupa protects us.”
Festivals, markets, and meetings are often organised around the shrine. Even people who are not very religious may feel proud of “their” stupa or temple and defend it if someone insults or threatens it. The shrine becomes a symbol of unity for the area.
2. Ethnic or cultural identity
In some countries, certain relics are closely linked to a particular ethnic group or culture. People may think:
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“This tooth relic belongs to our people.”
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“This stupa shows the greatness of our ancestors.”
In a positive way, this can give a sense of dignity and a wish to keep traditional arts and values alive. It may inspire people to study their language, songs, and customs more deeply.
But there is also a risk: when a relic is seen as “belonging” only to one group, it may be used to exclude others or to fuel nationalism. We will discuss these dangers later in the chapter.
3. Pan-Buddhist identity
Some relics are important for Buddhists from many countries. Pilgrims come from different cultures and schools of Buddhism, but all respect the relic. In these cases:
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The relic functions as a symbol of shared Buddhist identity across national borders.
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People may feel “we are one family of disciples of the Buddha,” even if they follow different traditions at home.
This kind of identity is very helpful for global peace within Buddhism. It helps to reduce sectarian attitudes and creates a sense of common purpose.
4.5 Rituals around Relics: Intangible Heritage in Action
Around almost every relic shrine, we find repeated rituals and ceremonies. These are an important part of intangible heritage.
Common examples include:
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Circumambulation – walking three times clockwise around the stupa or shrine, often with folded hands.
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Offering flowers, incense, and lights – as signs of respect and impermanence.
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Chanting – reciting verses in Pāli or the local language that praise the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha.
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Taking the five precepts – before big ceremonies, lay people repeat the basic moral training.
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Meditation – some sit and silently develop mindfulness or loving-kindness.
These rituals have several functions:
1. Training the body and speech
Through repeated practice, people learn:
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How to move with calm and respect.
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How to speak in gentle and polite ways in the sacred area.
This physical and verbal discipline shapes character. People who are used to bowing and speaking softly in front of the relic may also become more modest and careful in daily life.
2. Training the mind
Ritual alone is not enough, but it can support mindfulness and wise reflection. During offerings and chanting, people may think:
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“The Buddha was pure and wise. I want to follow his example.”
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“These flowers will soon fade. My life is also short. I should not waste it.”
In this way, outer actions support inner understanding.
3. Creating shared emotion
When many people chant together or walk around the stupa with candles at night, there is a strong sense of togetherness. People feel:
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“We are many, but our hearts are united in devotion.”
This shared emotion can help to reduce personal loneliness and social divisions. It reminds people that they are part of something larger than themselves.
4.6 Festivals and Social Harmony
In addition to daily rituals, many relic shrines have annual festivals. These festivals are moments where religious practice meets social life.
Typical features include:
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Processions of the relic or relic casket.
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Special chanting ceremonies, sometimes lasting all night.
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Offerings of colourful flags, lanterns, or umbrellas.
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Charity activities, such as giving food to the poor or to all visitors.
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Markets, food stalls, music, and traditional dances.
From a peace studies view, such festivals can support social harmony in several ways:
1. Building social bonds
During festivals:
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Neighbours work together to decorate the streets.
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Youth groups practise performances.
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Families gather, often wearing traditional clothes.
These activities build trust and cooperation. People get to know each other better, which reduces fear and prejudice.
2. Sharing joy across social lines
At a big festival, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, old and young may all come together. For a time, normal social barriers are softer. They stand side by side in front of the same relic, chant the same verses, and share the same food.
This is a small example of equality and shared dignity, which is an element of positive peace.
3. Supporting ethical messages
Often, sermons during festivals focus on:
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The five precepts.
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Generosity, loving-kindness, and compassion.
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The dangers of anger, jealousy, and addiction.
Because people are already emotionally open during festivals, these messages can enter the heart more deeply than in a normal lecture.
Of course, festivals also bring risks, such as noise, rubbish, or alcohol use. Wise custodians try to manage these risks so that the festival remains a force for harmony, not disorder.
4.7 Teaching and Education at Relic Sites
Modern relic centres, such as tooth relic museums and large temples, often include teaching programmes. These programmes are an important part of cultural heritage because they transmit knowledge and values to the next generation.
Common activities include:
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Dhamma classes for children and adults.
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Study of Pāli and Buddhist texts.
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Meditation retreats and workshops.
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Talks on topics like dependent origination, the Four Noble Truths, and the Noble Eightfold Path.
In some cases, the relic itself is used as a starting point for teaching. For example, a teacher may say:
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“This tooth relic reminds us that the Buddha had a human body, subject to aging and death. That is why he taught about impermanence and suffering.”
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Then the teacher explains the truths of aging, illness, and death in more detail.
In this way:
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The object leads to reflection.
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Reflection leads to practice.
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Practice leads to inner peace and more ethical behaviour in daily life.
Education at relic sites can also include themes of peace and non-violence. Teachers may connect:
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The Buddha’s compassion with modern ideas of human rights and social justice.
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The five precepts with modern problems like drug use, domestic violence, and corruption.
When this is done skilfully, relic shrines become schools of peace, not just places of emotion.
4.8 Relics, Space, and Daily Life
Relic shrines do not stand outside daily life. They influence the space and rhythm of the community around them.
1. Sacred geography
In many cities, the central temple or stupa gives structure to the town. Streets may lead towards it. Parks and markets may grow around it. People may use it as a meeting point.
This shapes how people move and where they gather. It creates a sacred geography, where everyday paths cross sacred space. This daily contact with the shrine can:
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Remind people to keep precepts.
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Encourage them to drop by for a few minutes of prayer or meditation.
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Make them feel that “the Buddha watches over our community.”
2. Time and rhythm
Daily and weekly rituals, as well as yearly festivals, give a rhythm to community life. People count time by:
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“Before the relic festival…”
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“After the full moon ceremony…”
This rhythm connects religious practice with agricultural or school calendars. In this way, heritage structures time as well as space.
3. Everyday ethics
Because the shrine is near, people may think twice before doing unwholesome actions in that area. For example:
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They may avoid shouting or fighting near the temple.
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They may feel shame if they walk past the shrine drunk or in inappropriate clothing.
This is not perfect, of course, but it shows how sacred heritage can gently support social order.
4.9 Relics, Inclusion, and Exclusion
Up to now, we have mostly shown positive sides. But heritage can also create boundaries. Sometimes relics are used in ways that exclude or divide.
Some possible problems include:
1. “Our relic” vs “their relic”
Different groups may claim special rights over a relic. They may say:
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“Only people from our ethnic group or sect can go near the relic.”
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“Our ritual style is correct. Others are wrong or impure.”
If this attitude is strong, relics can become markers of division instead of bridges. People may feel fear or anger when “outsiders” appear.
2. Nationalism and political use
Political leaders may try to use relics to strengthen their position. They may appear at ceremonies with cameras, make speeches in front of the shrine, or claim that they are the “true protectors” of the Buddhist heritage.
This can be dangerous if:
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Political messages become mixed with hate speech against minorities.
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State power is used to favour one religious group over others.
In such cases, the relic, which should symbolise compassion and wisdom, becomes a tool of power.
3. Commercial pressures
Sometimes, relic shrines become strongly commercialised. Tourists may come mainly for photos, not for respect. Shops and hotels may push religious messages into the background. This can make:
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Poor locals feel that the shrine is now “for tourists”, not for them.
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Serious practitioners feel disappointed or pushed aside.
If not controlled, commercialisation can damage the spiritual meaning of the relic and weaken the community’s connection to it.
4.10 Roles of Custodians in Managing Heritage and Harmony
Because of these challenges, the role of custodians is very important. They stand at the centre of many tensions: between old and new, sacred and commercial, local identity and universal values.
Some key responsibilities are:
1. Protecting access and dignity
Custodians need to:
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Keep the shrine open in fair ways to local people, pilgrims, and respectful visitors.
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Set clear rules that protect the dignity of the site (no loud music, proper dress, no alcohol, etc.).
This allows the shrine to be welcoming but still sacred.
2. Encouraging inclusive identity
When possible, custodians can promote the idea that:
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The relic is a gift for all beings, not a weapon of separation.
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Different Buddhist groups can share the space, even if they have small differences in practice.
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People of other religions can visit as friends and learners.
They can show this attitude in their own speech and actions, and by including different voices in committees and planning.
3. Balancing economy and spirituality
Custodians must often handle money from donations, shops, and tourism. A healthy balance might include:
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Limiting commercial activity near the central shrine.
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Using income to support education, charity, and community projects.
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Reporting finances clearly to avoid suspicion.
When people see that money is used for good causes, trust grows, and social harmony is easier to maintain.
4. Teaching peace values clearly
Finally, custodians should speak openly about peace. They can:
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Link the meaning of the relic to non-violence, compassion, and wisdom.
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Condemn any use of the site for hatred or discrimination.
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Support events that promote dialogue between groups.
In this way, they turn the heritage site into a peace education centre, not just a tourist spot.
4.11 Conclusion
In this chapter we have seen that Buddha’s relics are much more than holy objects locked in a box. They are at the centre of a rich heritage system that includes:
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Material elements: relics, reliquaries, stupas, temples, and artworks.
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Intangible elements: stories, rituals, festivals, teachings, emotions, and values.
Relics help to create and maintain:
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Collective memory of the Buddha and of local history.
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Community identity at local, ethnic, and global Buddhist levels.
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Shared practices that shape body, speech, and mind.
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Sacred space and time that give structure to daily life and social rhythms.
At the same time, relics and their heritage can become sources of tension when they are used for exclusion, nationalism, or commercial gain. For this reason, the custodians of relics have a serious responsibility. They must protect both the physical objects and the deeper meaning of the heritage. When they act with wisdom and compassion, relic shrines can become strong centres of social harmony, ethical education, and peacebuilding.
