Sacred Remains: A Guide to Buddha Relic Worship in Japan
When traveling through Japan, amidst the vermilion torii gates and wooden zen halls, you might occasionally stumble upon a striking, white, dome-shaped structure that looks distinctly unlike traditional Japanese architecture. These are stupas, or Busshari-to, and they lie at the heart of one of the profoundest aspects of Japanese Buddhism: the worship of Buddha’s relics.
Known as Busshari Shinko, the veneration of these sacred remains offers a fascinating glimpse into how ancient Indian traditions traveled the Silk Road to evolve uniquely within the Japanese cultural landscape. For the culturally curious traveler, understanding these monuments unlocks a deeper layer of Japan’s spiritual geography.
Introduction to Busshari
Busshari refers to the corporeal remains of Shakyamuni Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama), specifically the bead-like crystals or ash found after his cremation. In Sanskrit, these are called sarira. In the context of Japanese faith, these are not merely historical artifacts or bones; they are viewed as the