The Office of Siridantamahāpālaka

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 In Buddhist scriptures, the concept of relics ( dhātu sarīraṃ ) holds profound spiritual and symbolic significance. Among these, the relics of long-lived Buddhas such as the "Kakusandha Buddha" are celebrated for their miraculous, indivisible nature. The scriptural reference, "Dīghāyuko Buddhānaṃ dātu sarīraṃ suvaṇṇakkhandho vīya ekaghanam tiṭṭhati," encapsulates this idea, illustrating the extraordinary qualities of the Buddha’s relics. This essay explores the meaning of this passage and its spiritual implications. The Relics of Long-Lived Buddhas The term Dīghāyuko Buddhānaṃ refers to Buddhas with exceptionally long lifespans, such as the Kakusandha Buddha, who lived for 40,000 years. Upon His Parinibbāna (final passing), His bodily relics did not disintegrate or scatter, as is often the case with other Buddhas. Instead, they remained unified, whole, and intact—described metaphorically as being "like a solid block of gold" ( suvaṇṇakkhandho vīya ). Thi...

 The following teachings emphasize the importance of faith and devotion, regardless of whether one worships the living Buddha (Tathagata) or the relics left behind after His passing into Nirvana: Core Teachings: Tathagata and Relics Tiṭṭhanta Tathagata : The living, visible Buddha. Nibbuta Tathagata : The Buddha who has entered Nirvana and left only relics behind. Mind and Faith (Citta and Saddhā) Citta : The mental attitude or intention. Saddhā : Faith and devotion, which must remain unwavering and equal, whether directed toward the living Buddha or His relics. Equality of Merit (Phala) When faith and intention are equal, the benefits (merit) derived from devotion are also equal. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistent reverence, regardless of whether one is in the presence of the living Buddha or venerating His relics. Key Story: The Faithful Nun A teaching story illustrates this concept: After the Buddha's passing, King Ajātasattu built stupas (pagodas) to house...

 The seven indivisible relics: The sacred thread (Sin Kye Chaung): Four in number. The small golden staffs (Sata Dar Tha): Four in number. The hip bones (Dwe Akwa): Two in number. Seven in Total: When combined, they are the seven indivisible relics. These Relics: "Ima Dhatu Yaw": These relics, "Asam Bhinnana": Are indivisible. If Separated: "Bhinna Wa Dhatu Yaw": Once broken or separated, They are no longer indivisible. The Resting Places of the Sacred Relics: The sacred thread and hip bones are placed as follows: Sin Kye Chaung (Sacred Thread): In the island of Lanka (Sri Lanka), known as Siha Ladipe . Dwe Akwa (Hip Bones): The left hip bone is in Brahma’s celestial realm ( Brahma Loke Wa Ma Kan ). The right hip bone is also on the island of Lanka ( Dakina Ka Hu Siha Ladepe ). All of these sacred relics are thus placed in these locations.

 Before delving into the nature of Buddha relics, it is important to note that this essay is based on my personal experiences and understanding, as well as knowledge drawn from the Pāli Canon. According to the Canon, at the final day of the Buddha Sāsana (the dispensation of the Buddha), all Buddha relics will assemble under the Bodhi Tree. It is foretold that the Buddha’s body will reappear, and he will deliver a final Dhamma talk. However, during this momentous event, ordinary humans will be unable to perceive the Buddha. Only certain Devas (celestial beings) and spiritually advanced individuals will witness and hear this ultimate discourse. This narrative is rooted in the teachings of the Pāli Canon; the original Pāli reference is crucial for scholarly exploration. The Nature of Buddha Relics The behavior of Buddha relics is deeply enigmatic and reflects their sacred nature. First, if a location where relics are enshrined is no longer treated with genuine reverence—not merely th...

Abstract This article examines the historical evolution, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of the Kissanapath Monastery, established in the 11th century by Atissaraka (1008–1064). Tracing its tumultuous history through invasions, natural disasters, and restorative efforts, the study explores the monastery’s role in housing sacred Buddha relics and its importance within the Gelugpa tradition. Emphasis is placed on the interplay of preservation, spiritual practice, and historical memory as the monastery navigated the challenges of colonial and post-colonial eras. Introduction The Kissanapath Monastery, situated amidst the rugged terrain of the Himalayas, stands as a testament to the resilience of Buddhist heritage. Founded in the 11th century by the renowned abbot Atissaraka, the monastery’s history reflects the interplay of spiritual devotion, political upheaval, and environmental challenges. Over centuries, the monastery has been a custodian of two sacred robes and other relic...

  The remarkable discovery of Buddha’s finger relics in the Logar Province of Afghanistan stands as a profound testament to the region’s historical and cultural prominence during the Kushan Empire. This empire, flourishing between the early first century CE and the third century CE, played a pivotal role in shaping the religious and artistic landscapes of Central and South Asia. The Kushan Empire: A Nexus of Culture and Faith Under the Kushan rulers, particularly during the reign of Emperor Vasudeva I, the sixth ruler of the dynasty, the empire became a hub of cultural exchanges. The Kushans, known for their patronage of Buddhism, facilitated the propagation of the faith across vast territories. Their era was characterized by a unique syncretism between Indo-Greek artistic traditions and Buddhist devotional practices. This fusion is evident in the architectural styles and sculptural motifs that emerged during the period, blending Hellenistic, Indian, and Central Asian influences. T...

  Namo Tassa Bhagavato Arahato Samma Sambuddhassa Comprehensive Statement on the Discovery and Research of Buddha Relics January 18, 2025 Recent scholarly research has unveiled a significant array of relics associated with the life, death, and cremation of the Lord Buddha. Despite these discoveries, detailed records of specific stupas housing these relics remain limited, with only 120 stupas documented to contain such sacred items. The types of relics identified include: Tooth Relics Bone Relics Fragments of Bone Relics Nails Hair Relics Pieces of Cremated Remains Relics from the Buddha's Cremation Blood Relics Ashes Relics Found at the Buddha's Burial Site Bowl Robes Walking Stick Footprint A notable finding from this research is the absence of bone relics exceeding two inches in size within the documented records and archaeological excavations. Buddhist relics, some as small as sesame seeds, have been discovered in ancient stupas. However, it is important to highlight that co...

"Transported from Kyunpyaw, Innphyar Village, Bhaya-Ngu Myauk-Kaung Zedi Monastery." The interview file for Relics Received will be posted shortly.  

💻 Available Now on Amazon Kindle! 📖 Assessment book for the 227 rules of pātimokkha: Monastic Dhamma Vinaya Curriculum for Monks By Bhikkhu Indasoma Siridantamahāpālaka Now Available on Kindle! Click below to embark on a journey through time and wisdom. Purchase this on Amazon, or download it for free from my Academia.edu page:https://bhikkhuindasomasiridantamahapalaka.academia.edu/ Preserve the past. Embrace the present. 🔗 Your Copy Today ! Preserve the past. Embrace the present. Inspire the future. Book sale proceeds will fund advanced DNA and carbon-14 dating, and relic preservation.

💻 Available Now on Amazon Kindle! 📖 Paticcasamuppada (Law of Dependent Origination) By Bhikkhu Indasoma Siridantamahāpālaka Now Available on Kindle! Click below to embark on a journey through time and wisdom. 🔗 Get Your Copy Today ! Preserve the past. Embrace the present. Inspire the future. Book sale proceeds will fund advanced DNA and carbon-14 dating, and relic preservation.

Book sale proceeds will fund advanced DNA and carbon-14 dating, and relic preservation. 💻 Available Now on Amazon Kindle! 📖 Custodians of the Buddha’s Sacred Relics, Vol. 1 By Bhikkhu Indasoma Siridantamahāpālaka Now Available on Kindle! Preserve the past. Embrace the present. Inspire the future.

Professor Dr. Yin Yin Than, esteemed head of the Faculty of Myanmar Language at the University of Foreign Languages in Yangon, has shared a remarkable experience that underscores the profound significance of Buddha relics in Buddhist practice. One serene evening, while engaged in personal worship within her home’s designated worship room, she encountered an extraordinary phenomenon that would deeply impact her spiritual journey. During her worship, Professor Than was suddenly captivated by a sound reminiscent of countless bees buzzing. Intrigued yet bewildered, she turned her attention towards the sacred Buddha Shining Place in her home. To her astonishment, she witnessed cascading relics descending from the canopy above—an ethereal sight that evoked a sense of joy and divine presence. This moment of serendipity filled her heart with happiness and awe, leading her to collect the fallen relics with reverence. This experience not only enriched Professor Than’s personal worship routine...

  The Five Types of Disappearance of the Sāsana (Buddha's Teachings) The Buddha's teachings (Sāsana) are safeguarded through the harmonious existence of ordained monastics, the preservation of doctrinal study, the commitment to disciplined practice, the realization of profound insight, and the veneration of the sacred relics (Dhātus). However, the gradual loss of these elements marks the decline and eventual disappearance of the Sāsana. Understanding and addressing the causes of these types of disappearances is essential for the sustainable growth and longevity of the Buddha Sāsana. 1. Disappearance of the Saṅgha (Monastic Order) The Saṅgha is the cornerstone of the Buddha's teachings, as monastics preserve and propagate the Dhamma and Vinaya. When there are no longer ordained monastics who uphold the virtues and discipline of the Buddha's teachings, the external form of the Sāsana begins to disappear. This marks the first step toward the decline of the Sāsana. Prevent...

 The Final Day of the Buddha: A Reflection on Parinibbāna On the final day of Gautama Siddhartha, the Buddha, his journey came to a poignant conclusion marked by both physical suffering and profound teachings. At the age of 80, the Buddha was traveling to Kusināra (present-day Kushinagar, India) when he accepted a meal offered by a blacksmith named Cunda. This meal, referred to as **sukaramaddava**, has been the subject of much debate, with interpretations ranging from soft pork to truffle-like mushrooms. Regardless of its nature, the meal led to severe abdominal pain and dysentery, symptoms that would soon mark the end of his earthly existence. The Illness Shortly after consuming the meal, the Buddha experienced intense discomfort, characterized by abdominal cramps and dysentery. Despite the physical distress, he maintained his composure and mindfulness, embodying the teachings he had shared throughout his life. Scholars suggest that his condition may have been exacerbated by the ...

Sao Dhammasami (Researcher) emailed Dr. Ashin Nyanissara (Sitagu Sayadawgyi) about preserving and testing Buddha tooth relics, receiving a phone call in response.  Research and Data Collection at the British Museum Did Dr. Ashin Nyanissara visit the British Museum in England for the purpose of researching and collecting data related to the Buddha Tooth Relics? If so, what were the specific objectives and outcomes of his visit? Acquisition of Relics from Ancient Sites Did Dr. Ashin Nyanissara bring Buddha Tooth Relics, along with bone relics, ashes, hair, and robes, from ancient stupas in regions such as Afghanistan and Pakistan (formerly part of India)? If so, how were these relics identified and authenticated before being preserved at Sitagu Sayadawgyi’s temple? DNA and Carbon-14 Testing Did Dr. Ashin Nyanissara arrange for DNA and Carbon-14 testing of the Buddha Tooth Relics in England? What was the purpose of conducting these tests, and which institutions were involved in the p...