Buddha's Relic Distribution Post-Mahaparinirvana
After Gautama Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana, his mortal remains (sarira-dhatu) became objects of immense reverence.
The distribution of these sacred relics was a significant event, aimed at ensuring widespread veneration and establishing stupas.
Key Figure in Relic Distribution
Historical and religious texts identify a specific individual who played a crucial role in the equitable distribution of Gautama Buddha's sarira-dhatu among the claimants.
- Ajatasatru: A powerful king, but not the distributor of relics.
- Drona: A Brahmin sage who mediated and oversaw the division of the relics.
- Mahakasyapa: An important disciple, known for his role after Buddha's passing, but not the primary distributor.
- Upali: The first disciple to achieve enlightenment after Buddha, known for Vinaya, not relic distribution.
Based on traditional accounts, Drona, the Brahmin, was responsible for ensuring the fair distribution of Buddha's sarira-dhatu to the eight principal claimants who had gathered.
Therefore, Drona played an important role in the distribution of Gautama Buddha's sarira-dhatu after his Mahaparinirvana.
Important Questions from Buddhism
Which of the following statement is correct?
I. Vardhaman Mahavira was the 23rd Tirthankara of Jainism.
II. Buddha taught that karma has no effect on our lives.
What was the date of the Third Buddhist Council?
At which of the following places did Lord Buddha attain Mahaparinirvana?
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer from the code given below:
List - I
(Events in Buddha's Life)
List - II
(Symbolic representation)
(a)
Birth
(i)
Bodhi Tree
(b)
Enlightenment
(ii)
Chakra
(c)
First sermon
(iii)
Bull
(d)
Demise
(iv)
Stupa
In Indian philosophy; who was the Buddhist monk, who is commonly considered the founder of Chan Buddhism in China - later known as Zen in Japan?
