Comprehensive Statement on the Discovery and Research of Buddha Relics

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 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 confirmed discoveries of Buddha bone relics exceeding two inches have been venerated in Myanmar, a finding absent from prior research involving 120 articles and books consulted. This underscores the need for further comprehensive studies to document and preserve these significant relics.

In addition to the primary relics, smaller items such as gold fragments, pearl-like objects, and other minute pieces associated with relics have been found. These are rare and typically located in specific stupas, yet records detailing the exact locations of these relics remain scarce.

Among the main categories of relics discovered, some notable examples include:

  • Personal Items of Prince Siddhartha Gautama: Earrings, rings, and other daily-use items believed to have belonged to the Buddha during his lifetime.

  • Relics Acquired During the Buddha's Lifetime, including:

    • Tooth relics (broken teeth)
    • Nails
    • Blood-stained relics, collected at the time of the Buddha's passing and noted to remain pure without any impurity.

  • Relics from the Buddha's Cremation, such as bones, teeth, and other materials preserved as part of the cremation rituals.

  • The Buddha's Bowl, a sacred object used by the Buddha for alms collection.

  • The Buddha's Robes, worn by the Buddha during his monastic life and considered highly revered objects.

  • The Buddha's Walking Stick, a simple yet profound symbol of the Buddha's journey through his life and teachings.

  • The Buddha's Footprint, believed to be a mark left by the Buddha as a sign of his presence, which has become an object of veneration and a symbol of his enlightened path.


Historical records and excavations from ancient cities like Peshawar and other notable regions have documented the existence of these relics, linking them to significant historical events and places of worship.

In modern times, relics of the Buddha have been preserved in museums in Britain, Paris, and other Western countries, where they are displayed to the public. Similarly, relics currently housed in Myanmar and India continue to be revered and preserved, reflecting the ongoing importance of these sacred items in both historical and contemporary Buddhist practices.

A particularly momentous discovery is the unearthing of the Broken Front Tooth Relics of the Lord Buddha. According to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta, following the Buddha's passing and cremation, four tooth relics were preserved. Two of these relics were enshrined in mythological realms—Trāyastriṃśa Heaven and the domain of the Nāgarāja—while the other two were kept in earthly locations: Gandhāra and Kaliṅga.

Contact:

Sao Dhammasami

Researcher/Author

Ph.D(Candidate) ,M.A (Pali)

saodhammasami@hswagata.com

January 18, 2025


For further insights into the research findings featured in Custodians of the Buddha’s Sacred Relics Vol. 1: Discover the Legacy of Sacred Treasures, please refer to the references provided within the book.



References Book Details:

  • Sao Dhammasami, @ Bhikkhu Indasoma Siridantamahāpālaka. (2025). Custodians of the Buddha’s Sacred Relics Vol. 1: Discover the Legacy of Sacred Treasures [ASIN: B0DT61C12R] (Kindle Edition). Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DT61C12R

This publication unveils the rich heritage of sacred relics through meticulous research and detailed exploration, offering readers a deep understanding of their spiritual significance and cultural legacy.








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