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The Material and the Symbolic: The Functions and Significance of Buddhist Banners
HAN Jianing
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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2026.07.006
Northwest University, Xi’an, China
Drawing on extant Buddhist ritual texts and documents unearthed, this paper examines the Buddhist banner—an important material medium in Buddhism. Building on an exploration of the evolution of its forms, the paper investigates its functions as both a decorative and an offering object. It further attempts to reflect on the role of Buddhist banners in Buddhist rituals from both material and symbolic perspectives, illustrating how, through their evolution from India to China, they became composite religious objects that embody both sacredness and functionality.
Buddhist banners, ceremonial adornments, objects of offering
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