Geography of Early Buddhism c12.84

c12.84

Thus it is natural to take the term, cetiya as the most general name for any sanctuary which can well stand for a stūpa, a vihāra, an assembly hall, a tree, a memorial stone, a holy relic or object, or place, or even an image. In fact, it may mean any shrine, particularly associated with Buddhism, of any character constructed for purposes of worship or honour, or esteem and regard. Kern is, therefore, right in saying that all edifices having the character of a sacred monument are Caityas, but not all Caityas are edifices.¹