Material: Relics of Great Monks and Lay Buddhists.

Size: Mixed. Each bead is approximately 0.3-0.5 cm.

Description:

Overview of Relics of Great Monks

Relics of Great Monks (abbreviated as sarira) are extremely sacred relics in Buddhism. They refer to the solid, crystal-clear remains left behind after the cremation (incarnation) of the remains of great Buddhist monks and lamas. These remains typically take the form of beads, grains, petals, or blocks, and come in a variety of colors (such as red, white, green, purple, and multicolored). Their texture is as hard as jade or agate, making them resistant to damage. The original Sanskrit word "Śarīra" (shārira) was formerly translated as "shari" or "body bones," generally referring to "spiritual bones" or "solid particles." In a broader sense, relics are not limited to great monks, but also include the remains of the Buddha. However, "relics of great monks" specifically refers to similar crystals left behind by virtuous monks who are not Buddhas. It is regarded as a symbol of spiritual achievement, reflecting the merits and compassion of the monks' lifelong practice of "precepts, concentration, and wisdom". Buddhist scriptures such as the "Mahaparinirvana Sutra" emphasize that "if you see the Tathagata's relics, you will see the Buddha". Therefore, the relics of eminent monks are also revered as an extension of the "Dharmakaya relics", inspiring believers to pursue liberation. Relics can be divided into several categories: (1) **body relics** (bone remains, such as teeth, finger bones, and collarbones); (2) **flesh relics** (the whole body is intact or some tissues have not turned to ashes); (3) **fragmented body relics** (bead-like crystals). The relics of eminent monks mostly belong to the latter two categories, and the number ranges from a few to thousands, depending on the depth of their practice. The role of eminent monks' relics in Buddhist rituals In Buddhist rituals, the relics of eminent monks play a core role in "holy offerings" and "merit blessings" and are regarded as a symbol of the immortality of the Dharma. It is not only an object of worship for believers but is also used in various ceremonies, prayers, and commemorations to help participants accumulate merit and purify karma. Specifically:

1. **Offering and Viewing Ceremony**: Relics of eminent monks are typically enshrined in a pagoda, stupa, or temple pagoda (such as the Buddha Finger Relic Pagoda at Famen Temple in China). Believers pay homage to the relic to express their respect for the monk's merits. Common rituals include folding hands in worship, prostrating, and circumambulating the stupa three times (clockwise), symbolizing the "turning of the Dharma Wheel" and spiritual purification. Seeing the relic is like seeing the monk himself, and believers believe it brings peace, wisdom, and blessings.

2. **Offering and Prayer Ceremony**: During the ceremony, believers offer the "Seven Offerings" (incense, flowers, lamps, oil, fruit, music, and seals)—incense, flowers, lamps, oil, fruit, music, and seals—and recite scriptures (such as the Heart Sutra or the Great Compassion Mantra) to pray for blessings. Historically, Tang Dynasty emperors (such as Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong, and Empress Wu Zetian) frequently opened pagodas to receive Buddha bones (including relics of eminent monks) and offer them in grand ceremonies, considered national prayer ceremonies. Modern temples such as Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan and Mount Jiuhua in China often hold "relic enshrinement ceremonies," inviting monks and laypeople to participate. They emphasize "reverence, respect, and praise" to gain boundless merit. Sutras such as the Golden Light Sutra state that offering a mustard seed-sized relic is millions of times more meritorious than offering flowers to the Buddha, and can help one avoid the eight afflictions and rapidly attain nirvana.

3. **Educational and Dharma-propagation Function**: During ceremonies, relic of eminent monks serves as a tool for teaching, reminding believers of the importance of spiritual practice. For example, on the opening day of a pagoda, stories about the relic are recounted to encourage diligent practice of the precepts. In Tibetan Buddhism, relics are often incorporated into mandala rituals for initiation and blessing. In Chinese Buddhism, they are used during Ullambana Festivals or water and land ceremonies, symbolizing the protection of the Dharma by eminent monks.

In short, the relics of eminent monks are not merely physical relics but also spiritual bridges, connecting believers with the compassionate power of eminent monks and enhancing the solemnity and sacredness of rituals. They emphasize "pure faith": offerings made with a sincere heart bring benefits; otherwise, no gains are achieved.

The Origin and Story of Eminent Monk Relics

The origins of eminent monk relics date back to the time of the Buddha, originating from the bodily relics of Shakyamuni Buddha and later extending to disciples and eminent monks. Buddhism believes that the formation of relics is closely linked to the merits of spiritual practice: through the cultivation of the "Six Perfections" (generosity, precepts, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom) and the cultivation of "precepts, concentration, and wisdom," the body's essence solidifies into solid crystals during cremation, rather than ordinary ashes. This is not a supernatural phenomenon, but a manifestation of "otherworldly energy," which can only be produced by eminent monks with highly disciplined precepts and pure minds. In ancient India, the hair, bones, and ashes left after the death of a monk were called "relics," while the beads left after cremation were specifically called "sarira." During the Eastern Han Dynasty, 19 Buddha relics were brought to China, where they were enshrined in pagodas, laying the foundation for the culture of relic veneration. Emperor Ashoka (of the Maurya Empire) excavated the Eight Kings' Pagoda and divided the relics into 84,000 caskets, distributing them globally and promoting the widespread worship of relics.

Stories

The stories of relic veneration are rich and varied, often found in classics and historical records, and are filled with wonder and inspiration. The following are a few representative accounts:

1. **The Origin of Buddha Relics (Founding the Relic Tradition of Relics of Great Monks)**: Approximately 2,500 years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha passed away beneath the twin sal trees in Kusinagara at the age of 80. His disciples cremated his remains with fragrant wood, recovering a skull bone, two collarbones, four teeth, and 84,000 pearl-shaped relics. Eight kingdoms (including Magadha) fought over the relics, nearly leading to war. The disciple Rudra (a disciple of Ananda) mediated, dividing the remains equally into eight parts, with each nation building pagodas to enshrine them. Two other nations received empty bottles and ashes, also building pagodas. Ten stupas symbolize the widespread spread of Buddhism. This story is recorded in the Dīrgha Āgama Sūtra. The relics were later redistributed by King Ashoka and brought to China, inspiring eminent monks to emulate them.

2. **Tongue Relics of Master Kumarajiva (Eastern Jin Dynasty, circa 5th century): Kumarajiva was a renowned Buddhist translator, known for his translation of over 300 volumes. Before his death, he vowed, "If my translations are correct, my tongue will not decay." After cremation, his tongue remained intact, its color as if it were alive. It is still enshrined at the Kumarajiva Temple in Gansu. This relic symbolizes the merits of Buddhist translation and has become a classic example of a relic of a great monk.

3. **Flesh Relics of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng (Tang Dynasty, 8th century): After the Sixth Patriarch Huineng's death, his body remained intact and is still enshrined in the Flesh Hall of Nanhua Temple in Guangdong. Legend has it that his body, as incorruptible as a diamond, embodies the perfection of sudden enlightenment. This is a representative example of a "whole body relic" and attracts countless pilgrims.

4. **Five-Colored Relics of Master Yin Guang (Republic of China, 20th Century)**: When Master Yin Guang, the 13th Patriarch of the Pure Land Sect, passed away and was cremated, smoke as white as snow and a five-colored radiance emerged. His bones were found to be as hard as ore, emitting a golden sound, and all 32 teeth were intact. Countless relics (in the form of beads, petals, and lumps) of red, white, green, and five colors were found. This story emphasizes the connection between relics and the purification of karma, and the need for those offering them to purify their minds.

5. **Portraits of Modern Eminent Monks**: For example, Venerable Benhuan (who passed away in 2012) yielded over ten thousand thirteen-colored relics; Venerable Guangqin (who passed away in 1995) yielded hundreds; and Master Xuyun (who passed away in 1959) yielded numerous gold and silver relics. These stories bear witness to the continued existence of relics in Chinese Buddhism and inspire contemporary practice.

These stories not only record the mystical but also convey the core of Buddhism: relics are a means to "see the Buddha," reminding sentient beings to strive for courage and perseverance. Historically, relic worship sparked wars (such as the Eight Kings' dispute over the relic), but ultimately led to peace and the construction of pagodas, symbolizing the universal benefits of Buddhism.

Though mysterious, the relics of eminent monks are deeply rooted in spiritual practice. They not only enrich Buddhist rituals but are also immortalized in cultural heritage sites like the Famen Temple Pagoda and the Buddha Tooth Relic at Lingguang Temple in Beijing. To witness them in person, visit stupas in China or Sri Lanka to experience their awe-inspiring power.