THE WORSHIP OF THE BUDDHA’S RELICS AND STUPA IN BUDDHIST SCRIPTURE

Abstract

     The objectives of this research article were to study: 1) the Buddha's relics and Stupa in the Buddhist scripture, and 2) worshiping the Buddha's relics and Stupa in the Buddhist scripture. This research was conducted based on Documentary Research Methodology and concluded with descriptive analysis.

     The result of the study found that: The Buddha's relics and Stupa in the Buddhist scripture had was a tall spire containing the Buddha's relics or Atthidhatu (ash) for the memorial, worship and the center of public mind. The Buddhist pagoda was divided into four types: (1) Thatuchedi, (2) Thammachedi, (3) udesikachedi and (4) Paribhoca Chedi. The importance of Thatuchedi are a place of containing the Buddha's relics and the memorial building.

     To worship Thatuchedi in the Buddhist scripture was to present great respect to the Buddha, Sangha and Dhamma which had great value for life. It was the presentation of faith in the respected thing by means of things or the self-presentation. The importance of worship was a symbol of great respect and goodness from mind. The worship was important in a way that all persons should do it for each other. It was also a way of proceeding Buddhism further, instructing people to worship whatever they should do. The value of worshiping Thatuchedi was (1) the respected place as the stable thing, (2) the center of the Buddhists' faith, (3) a place for making merit and worship, (4) a symbol of supporting and proceeding Buddhism and (5) the ancient thing for all Buddhists. The value of worship caused the rite, ceremonies, culture, presentation of worship through a body, speech and mind because it made worshipers get happy continuously.