Dysentery (Blood Diarrhea) and the Buddha’s Sacred Blood Relics
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 natural decline of aging and the toll of his extensive travels.
The Cause of the Buddha’s Death (Parinibbāna)
Historical Context of the Meal:
According to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (Dīgha Nikāya 16), during the Buddha's final journey, he accepted a meal offered by a blacksmith named Cunda (or Chunda). After consuming this meal, the Buddha experienced severe abdominal pain and dysentery but remained calm and mindful.Sukaramaddava (Controversial Food):
- Some traditions interpret it as soft pork or pig-related meat.
- Others interpret it as a type of truffle, mushroom, or root.
- Regardless of what the food was, the Buddha developed symptoms shortly after consuming it.
Medical Diagnosis (According to Tradition):
- Gastroenteritis: Most scholars believe the Buddha suffered from dysentery (severe infection of the intestines).
- Some scholars suggest the illness was from old age and the strain of traveling at the age of 80.
Final Instructions Before Death
Despite his illness, the Buddha continued his journey and reached Kusināra (present-day Kushinagar, India). There, he gave his final teachings, emphasizing:
- Appamāda (heedfulness): “All conditioned things are impermanent. Strive diligently to attain liberation (Nibbāna).”
The Buddha then entered the four absorptions (jhana) and passed into Parinibbāna (final release) at the age of 80.
"Dysentery" (Blood Diarrhea) is a medical condition that primarily affects the intestines, stomach, and digestive tract, causing symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea with mucus or blood, vomiting, and dehydration. This condition can be serious if left untreated, especially if accompanied by a significant loss of body fluids.
Causes of Dysentery (Blood Diarrhea)
Contaminated Food or Water
- Consumption of unclean or spoiled food and water.
- Presence of harmful bacteria (Shigella), viruses, or parasites in food.
Intestinal Infections by Pathogens
- Shigella bacteria, which is a common cause of dysentery.
- Entamoeba histolytica, a parasite that causes amoebic dysentery.
Lack of Hygiene
- Poor hygiene and sanitation can lead to the spread of infections that cause dysentery.
Symptoms of Dysentery
- Diarrhea mixed with blood and mucus.
- Severe stomach cramps and fever.
- Fatigue and weakness due to fluid loss.
- Nausea and vomiting.
The Journey to Kusināra
Even in the face of illness, the Buddha continued his journey, demonstrating his commitment to his path and teachings. Upon reaching Kusināra, he lay down between two trees, a serene setting that would become the backdrop for his final moments. His disciples gathered around him, filled with concern and sorrow, yet the Buddha remained calm, offering them solace and wisdom.
Final Teachings
In his last moments, the Buddha delivered profound teachings, emphasizing the principle of **Appamāda** (heedfulness). He reminded his followers that “All conditioned things are impermanent. Strive diligently to attain liberation (Nibbāna).” This message encapsulated the essence of his teachings, urging his disciples to remain mindful and dedicated to their spiritual practice.
As he prepared to enter **Parinibbāna** (final release), the Buddha entered the four absorptions (jhana), a state of deep meditative concentration. With a tranquil mind, he passed away, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire countless generations.
The Significance of His Passing
The Buddha's death was not viewed as a tragedy within the Buddhist tradition. Instead, it was seen as the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death (Saṃsāra). His passing served as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the importance of striving for enlightenment.
Dysentery, also known as blood diarrhea, is a serious medical condition that primarily affects the intestines, stomach, and digestive tract. It is characterized by symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea mixed with mucus or blood, vomiting, and dehydration. If left untreated, dysentery can result in severe complications due to significant fluid and blood loss. Historical accounts indicate that even the Lord Buddha suffered from dysentery during his final days, a poignant reminder of the frailty of the human body.
The Buddha’s Battle with Dysentery
In the Buddha’s final days, it is recorded that he endured a severe case of dysentery, resulting in significant blood loss. His resilience in the face of immense physical suffering stands as a testament to his profound mindfulness and strength. The Buddha's condition worsened, leading to a critical point where his attending physician prepared seven bottles filled with gutha (a Pali term often referring to bodily waste in the medical context).
The Mystery of the Seven Bottles
Despite being intended to contain a medicinal sample, each bottle was filled entirely with the Buddha’s blood instead of the expected contents. These seven bottles, symbolic of the Buddha’s mortal suffering, were preserved with reverence by his followers. After the Buddha's passing, the physician entrusted the blood-filled bottles to a sacred stupa (reliquary monument) as bodily relics of the Buddha’s compassionate journey.
King Ajātasattu and the Dhatunidhana
Upon receiving reports about the stupa containing these sacred blood relics, King Ajātasattu of Magadha became intrigued. He ordered the stupa to be opened—a procedure known in Pali as Dhatunidhana, meaning "opening of the relic chamber." The king took possession of the sacred blood bottles, further amplifying their reverence as symbols of the Buddha’s sacrifice.
The Journey of the Blood Relics to King Kanishka’s Empire
Centuries later, during the reign of King Kanishka, the renowned Kushan emperor who expanded his empire to Pāṭaliputra (modern-day Patna), the relics once again came into prominence. During his conquest, King Kanishka discovered two of the Buddha’s blood plasma bottles within a stupa. Deeply moved by this profound discovery, the king transported the relics back to his kingdom. In their honor, he commissioned the construction of a grand stupa, aptly named The Blood Relics Stupa, to preserve these sacred remnants.
During the Buddha's era, the renowned physician Sivaga performed brain surgery using advanced medical tools and techniques, suggesting a high standard of medicine that enabled effective blood plasma management.
Charles Masson and others discovered that Buddha's tooth relics, including blood plasma, were remarkably well-preserved due to ancient techniques. Relics were treated with chemical and herbal liquids, which, upon opening, vaporized (like alcohol). This advanced preservation method accounts for the excellent condition of the 2500-year-old tooth, hair, blood plasma, and nails.
Preservation of the Buddha’s Blood Relics in Modern Times
The Blood Relics Stupa became a site of pilgrimage and devotion for centuries. However, with time, the relics were rediscovered during archaeological excavations. It is believed that some of the blood relics were transported to the British Museum, where they are preserved as invaluable historical and spiritual artifacts. The Buddha’s blood relics stand as an enduring symbol of his physical trials and unwavering spiritual resolve.
Conclusion
The final day of the Buddha was a profound culmination of his teachings and life experiences. His ability to remain mindful and composed in the face of suffering exemplified the core principles of Buddhism. As he transitioned into Parinibbāna, the Buddha left a lasting impact on his followers, encouraging them to pursue their spiritual paths with diligence and awareness. His legacy continues to resonate, reminding us of the importance of mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of liberation.The narrative of the Buddha’s dysentery and the preservation of his blood relics transcends mere historical documentation. It reflects the profound veneration of his disciples and later generations for the mortal struggles endured by the Enlightened One. The relics, enshrined and revered across empires and generations, serve as a reminder of the Buddha’s immense compassion, resilience, and teachings that continue to inspire millions around the world.
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