Buddha's Tooth: Western Tales of a Sri Lankan Relic

John S. Strong examines Western stories about two significant Sri Lankan sacred objects, the Portuguese capture and public destruction of a tooth relic of the Buddha in the mid-sixteenth century, and the British dealings with another tooth relic of the Buddha, the famous Daḷadā enshrined in a temple in Kandy, from 1815 to 1954. He reveals how these stories reflect nascent and developing Western understandings of Buddhism, realizations of the cosmopolitan nature of the tooth, and tensions between secular and religious interests.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

John S. Strong delves into the intricate web of influences that have shaped the widely accepted narratives surrounding two iconic sacred objects. These bodily relics, including hairs, teeth, fingernails, and fragments of bone, are believed to have originated from the Buddha himself and have held immense reverence for countless Buddhists throughout history. However, it is not surprising that when Western colonial powers exerted their dominance over South Asia, they sought to control and manipulate these objects for their own purposes.

In his book, The Buddhas Tooth, John S. Strong explores Western narratives spanning from the sixteenth to the twentieth century, focusing on two significant Sri Lankan sacred objects. The first part of the book examines a tale about the Portuguese capture and public destruction of a tooth, later identified as a relic of the Buddha, in the mid-sixteenth century. The second part delves into the nineteenth-century saga of British dealings with another tooth relic of the Buddha, the famous Daḷadā enshrined in a temple in Kandy, from 1815, when it was taken over by English forces, to 1954, when it was visited by Queen Elizabeth II.

As Strong reveals, the stories of both the Portuguese tooth and the Kandyan tooth reflect nascent and developing Western understandings of Buddhism, the realization of the cosmopolitan nature of these relics, and the complex tensions between secular and religious interests. The Portuguese tooth tale highlights the initial Western perceptions of Buddhism as a foreign and exotic religion, with the tooth being perceived as a valuable possession that could bring wealth and power. The Kandyan tooth story, on the other hand, showcases the evolving Western understanding of Buddhism as a more complex and nuanced religion, with the tooth being revered as a sacred object that holds spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide.

Furthermore, the narratives of both the Portuguese tooth and the Kandyan tooth illustrate the complex interplay between colonial powers and local religious traditions. The Portuguese sought to exert control over the tooth by capturing and destroying it, while the British, who took over the temple in Kandy, sought to preserve and protect the tooth as a symbol of their colonial authority. This conflict between secular and religious interests highlights the broader power dynamics at play during the colonial era and the challenges faced by indigenous religious communities in the face of foreign domination.

In conclusion, John S. Strong's The Buddhas Tooth provides a valuable insight into the complex history of Western encounters with Buddhist sacred objects. Through his examination of these narratives, Strong sheds light on the evolving Western understandings of Buddhism, the cosmopolitan nature of these relics, and the tensions between secular and religious interests. The book serves as a reminder of the profound impact of colonialism on indigenous cultures and the importance of preserving and respecting religious heritage in the face of cultural appropriation and exploitation.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 173 x 229 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226801735