A Buddhist cemetery saint: the construction of devotion to a Japanese immigrant (Assaí, 1976-2022)

This article analyzes the construction of devotion to a cemetery saint present in the Cemetery of Assaí between the period of 1976 and 2002. The grave is used as primary source, methodologically understood as a manifestation of material culture and subject to resignifications, according to Rede and Droogan. Open interviews were also carried out with different figures related to the devotion, based on propositions of Thompson. From a theoretical perspective, the concepts of appropriation and tactic suggested by Certeau were used. As discussions, it is highlighted that the devotion starts from a sepulture with characteristics inherent to a specific school of Japanese Buddhism. However, the grave was appropriated by the devotees in different ways, developing a devotion to the cemetery saint that articulated distinct religious layers present in Brazilian society.

Keywords:
Cemetery saint; Buddhism; Devotion; Assaí