Scientific Testing of Sacred Buddhist Relic Materials
In the course of a multi-year research journey , I have been entrusted with revered materials by monks (bhikkhus) and devoted followers from diverse regions. Based on their accounts, and through my own meditative reflection and field-based study, it has become increasingly clear that these sacred materials merit thorough and detailed scientific investigation. These sacred objects, believed to be associated with the Buddhist philosophy, carry profound spiritual and historical significance. Their custodians offered them for safekeeping and careful study out of deep faith and commitment to the Dhamma.
Initially, efforts were made to explore scientific methods, including DNA analysis and AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) dating and radiocarbon dating , as tools to help preserve and understand these materials. However, after careful reflection and consultation with respected monastic elders and scholars, concerns were raised about the appropriateness of applying empirical analysis to objects that are traditionally considered cetiya — sacred relics meant to inspire faith (saddhā) and reverence, not investigation.
In light of these considerations, and guided by the spirit of the Kālāma Sutta, Mahāmangala Sutta, and Vinaya Piṭaka, this project has been respectfully redirected toward a Dhamma-centered path rooted in ethical integrity (sīla), humility (nivāta), and reverence (gārava).I have formally submitted six DNA samples to four renowned scientific institutions across the globe and respectfully request their kind support and academic partnership in bringing this project to completion. It is my sincere aspiration that the findings from this study will contribute meaningfully to the field of Buddhist studies and provide new insights for scholars, archaeologists, and practitioners alike.
This renewed direction affirms that relics are not simply historical curiosities, but vital links to the living tradition of the Buddha’s path — objects that inspire devotion, humility, and mindfulness. It is my sincere aspiration that this work will serve the wider Buddhist community, foster deeper understanding, and support the continuity of sacred traditions with integrity and care.
Enclosed with this statement are the relevant facts and initial findings that have shaped both my understanding and perception throughout this research journey. I remain committed to transparency, scholarly integrity, and the collaborative spirit of global inquiry.
I express heartfelt gratitude to the monastic teachers and Dhamma friends whose wise counsel helped shape this shift in focus. May this initiative honor the letter and spirit of the Buddha’s teachings and benefit all beings.
With deepest respect and in service to the pursuit of truth,
Sao Dhammasami
Research Scholar, Buddhist Studies
The Author of Custodians of the Buddha’s Sacred Relics Vol.1: ✨ Discover the Legacy of Sacred Treasures ✨ (English Edition)
🔬 What is AMS dating?
AMS dating is a form of radiocarbon dating (¹⁴C dating), but it's far more precise and requires much smaller samples than traditional methods.AMS dating stands for Accelerator Mass Spectrometry dating — a highly sensitive method used for determining the age of ancient organic materials.
🧪 How it works:
- Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) is a radioactive isotope found in all living organisms.
- When an organism dies, it stops absorbing carbon, and the ¹⁴C in its body begins to decay.
- AMS directly counts the number of ¹⁴C atoms (instead of measuring their decay indirectly like older methods).
- From the ratio of ¹⁴C to stable carbon (¹²C or ¹³C), scientists calculate how long it's been since the organism died — usually up to 50,000 years ago.
✅ Why it's useful:
- Requires only a few milligrams of material (good for precious or rare samples like relic wrappings, bone fragments, charcoal).
- Can date bones, wood, cloth, ashes, and other organic materials.
- Ideal for archaeological and religious relic research where non-destructive or minimal sampling is crucial.
🔬 What is DNA Testing?
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) is the genetic code found in all living beings.
DNA testing allows researchers to:
- Identify if relics are human or animal
- Determine age, sex, or lineage of remains
- Compare ancient samples with known populations
✅ Can help verify authenticity
🚫 Must be approached with ethical care and religious respect
🧪 What is Carbon-14 (¹⁴C) Dating?
Carbon-14 Dating is a method that calculates the age of once-living material by measuring the remaining radioactive carbon isotope (¹⁴C).
- All living things absorb ¹⁴C during life
- After death, ¹⁴C begins to decay
- Measuring the decay tells us how long ago the object lived
🔍 Useful for dating ancient biological materials
⏳ Supports historical timelines of sacred objects
🙏 With Reverence for the Sacred
When applied to Buddhist relics (dhātu), these methods must follow:
- Vinaya ethics and traditional rituals
- Sangha consultation and permissions
- A spirit of faith (saddhā) and mindfulness (sati)
"Let science support, not disturb, the sacred. May truth, tradition, and respect walk together."