Return of Sacred Relics: A Historic Moment for Korean Buddhism
Monks from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism orchestrated a significant event in Seoul by hosting a historic exhibition of Buddhist relics and their ancient reliquary.
This event marked the relics’ return to South Korea after an 85-year sojourn at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in the United States.
Among the relics were sarira believed to be from historical figures such as the Buddha Shakyamuni, Jigong from India, and Naong Hyegeun from Korea’s Goryeo dynasty, along with fragments related to Kassapa Buddha and Dipamkara Buddha.
The repatriation of these sacred artifacts was the culmination of a landmark agreement reached after 15 years of negotiations, following their illegal removal during the Japanese colonial period.
Despite initial resistance from the MFA Boston, the relics were returned in accordance with an agreement reached in February.
The event not only held great spiritual significance for the Buddhist community but also underscored the cultural and artistic value of the silver-gilt reliquary from the Goryeo kingdom.
This period in Korean history was marked by cultural flourishing and artistic achievements, particularly in the context of Buddhism, which played a pivotal role in shaping both religious and secular life.
The ceremony in Seoul, presided over by the president of the Jogye Order, provided an opportunity for monks and followers to pay their respects to the sacred relics.
It also symbolized the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Jogye Order, the Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Boston, in ensuring the relics’ safe return.
Amidst a changing religious landscape in South Korea, where a majority of the population identifies as having no religious affiliation, this event reaffirms the enduring cultural and spiritual legacy of Buddhism in the country.
