The legacy of the Buddha does not reside in stone monuments alone, but also in the sacred remnants of his physical being—his relics—reverently preserved, enshrined, and venerated for over two and a half millennia. These relics are not merely archaeological artifacts; they are living witnesses to a profound spiritual journey, a bridge between the historical Buddha and the hearts of countless generations who continue to draw inspiration from his teachings.
This second volume of Custodians of the Buddha’s Sacred Relics is the continuation of an unfolding journey—a journey of faith, heritage, devotion, and meticulous inquiry. It seeks to document and illuminate the lives of those silent guardians who have, with great sacrifice and unwavering dedication, preserved these relics through times of war and peace, glory and obscurity.
Volume One laid the groundwork by introducing readers to the sacred geography, the early custodianship traditions, and the broader historical narrative surrounding the relics. This second volume delves deeper into the less-known custodians, recent findings, and the ethical, scientific, and spiritual challenges involved in their preservation. It also highlights the complex relationships between sacred relics and contemporary identity, good governance pratice, interfaith harmony, and cultural politics.
This work is not intended to spark sectarian debate or claim possession, but to offer respectful documentation and open-hearted inquiry. It is written with humility, as a tribute to all those—monastic and lay, known and unknown—who have carried the sacred responsibility of relic preservation across centuries and continents.
May this volume serve scholars, practitioners, and spiritual seekers alike. And may it be a small offering to the legacy of the Tathāgata, whose compassion still radiates through even the smallest relic of his body, voice, and mind.
From SN 16.13 (Saddhammappatirūpaka Sutta):
"Na tāva, kassapa, saddhammo antaradhāyati yāva na saddhammappatirūpakaṃ loke uppajjati."
(The true Dhamma, Kassapa, does not disappear until a counterfeit of the true Dhamma arises in the world.)
The five conditions (pañca dhammā) leading to decline:
1. "Bhikkhū satthari agāravā viharanti appatissā"
2. "Dhamme agāravā viharanti appatissā"
3. "Saṃghe agāravā viharanti appatissā"
4. "Sikkhāya agāravā viharanti appatissā"
5. "Samādhismiṃ agāravā viharanti appatissā"
And the preservation factors:
"Pañca dhammā saddhammassa ṭhitiyā asammosāya anantaradhānāya saṃvattanti."
(These five things lead to the stability, non-confusion, and non-disappearance of the true Dhamma.)
The sutta concludes with:
"Seyyathāpi, kassapa, suvaṇṇaṃ loke nuppajjeyya, na tāva suvaṇṇapatirūpakaṃ loke uppajjati..."
(Just as, Kassapa, when genuine gold exists, counterfeit gold does not appear...)
With reverence,
Bhikkhu Indasoma Siridantamahāpālaka
(Sao Dhammasami)