In the sacred journey of researching and preserving the Buddha’s relics (Buddhadhātu), I have faced many tests—not only of skill and dedication, but of patience, faith, and compassion. One of the most heartbreaking experiences came through a close devotee of mine. I had entrusted their family with a rare and precious relic: bone-fragrant relics , which are known in the Buddhist world for their sanctity and miraculous nature.
This relic, like many I had carefully shared with the faithful, showed signs of spiritual multiplication (dhātu-vaḍḍhanaṃ)—an occurrence described in ancient Buddhist accounts. This mysterious increase is taken by many as a sign of purity, merit, and the living energy of the Buddha’s teachings.
To support their spiritual well-being, I also gave them blessed threads (paritta-chi ), empowered through the chanting of suttas such as the Maṅgala Sutta, Mettā Sutta, and Ratana Sutta—all considered protective and transformative.
Yet to my deep sorrow, I learned that this family had taken the sacred relics and discarded them in a river, and burned the paritta threads in fire. This was not merely a rejection of material objects—it was a symbolic turning away from the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha. It revealed an inner condition of wrong view (micchādiṭṭhi), distorted intention, and a lack of faith and gratitude. I felt not only betrayal but grief for the loss of sacred trust.
Reflection Through the Dhamma
At first, I struggled with pain and frustration. But as a follower of the Blessed One (Bhagavā), I turned inward and sought guidance from the Dhamma. I remembered the words of the Buddha from the Dhammapada:
“Na hi verena verāni, sammantīdha kudācanaṃ;
Averena ca sammanti, esa dhammo sanantano.”
(Dhp 5)
“Hatred never ends through hatred, but by non-hatred alone it ends—this is an eternal truth.”
With this in mind, I chose to reflect not with hatred or sorrow, but with karuṇā (compassion) and upekkhā (equanimity). I asked myself: what causes people to turn away from the Dhamma, even after receiving blessings?
The Buddha taught us that defilements (kilesā)—such as lobha (greed), dosa (hatred), and moha (delusion)—cloud the mind and distort perception. Even those who once honored the Buddha may fall into darkness if their inner foundation is not purified.
Sacredness of the Buddha’s Relics
According to the Mahāparinibbāna Sutta (DN 16), after the Buddha’s Parinibbāna, his relics were divided and honored by kings and noble followers. The relics (sarīradhātu) were placed in cetiya (stupas) and venerated for generations. The sutta states:
“Ye cetiyaṃ paricareyyuṃ, te mama sakkaronti garuṃ karonti mānenti pūjenti…”
“Whoever honors the cetiya, they honor me, respect me, revere me, and venerate me…”
Thus, to mishandle relics is not just disrespect to objects, but to the very presence of the Buddha in the world.
Paritta and Protective Chants
The threads I offered had been blessed through timeless paritta recitations:
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Maṅgala Sutta: Teaching the highest blessings through wholesome living.
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Mettā Sutta: Teaching the boundless heart of loving-kindness.
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Ratana Sutta: Praising the incomparable qualities of the Triple Gem.
These are not just verses—they are shields of truth. Burning them is symbolically akin to rejecting the protection of the Dhamma.
My Way Forward
This event tested my resolve. But I understood that as a custodian of sacred relics, my role is not only to preserve them materially but to protect the spiritual values they represent.
Rather than fall into despair, I reaffirm my commitment through four steps:
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Maintain Sincere Practice
As the Buddha advised:“Attā hi attano nātho” – "The self is one’s own protector." (Dhp 160)
My practice must be the light I hold in darkness. -
Radiate Mettā to All Beings
Even to those who harmed the Dhamma, I send this thought:“Sabbe sattā averā hontu, abyāpajjā hontu, anīghā hontu, sukhī attānaṃ pariharantu.”
“May all beings be free from enmity, distress, and live happily.” -
Accept the Reality of Different Paths
The Buddha said in the Upāli Sutta:“Ekamhi dhamme patiṭṭhāya nānādhammesu gacchanti.”
“Having established themselves in one truth, beings proceed in various ways.” -
Trust in Kamma
All actions bear fruits. As taught in the Cūlakammavibhaṅga Sutta (MN 135):“Kammassakomhi, kammadāyādo, kammayoni, kammabandhu, kammapaṭisaraṇo…”
“I am the owner of my kamma, heir to my kamma, born of my kamma…”
Final Words
Though this incident hurt me deeply, it reminded me of my purpose. I am not here to please everyone. I am here to serve the Buddha’s legacy with honesty and honor. As a monk and researcher of sacred relics, I will walk this path with mindfulness, patience, and unwavering faith.
And may all who have strayed from the Dhamma one day find their way back to the Light of the Tathāgata.
“Dhammo have rakkhati dhammacāriṃ”
“Indeed, the Dhamma protects the one who practices the Dhamma.” (Dhp 257)
"Sabbe satupiccayadāyakā averā hontu, abyāpajjā hontu, anīghā hontu, sukhī attānaṃ pariharantu."
“May all those who have offered support for the Buddha’s relics be free from enmity, free from suffering, free from affliction, and may they look after themselves with happiness.”
"Dīgharattaṃ hitāya sukhāya hotu, dhammaṃ anussarantu, buddhaṃ pasīdantu, saṅghaṃ pūjentu."
“May they be for long time established in welfare and happiness, remember the Dhamma, have deep faith in the Buddha, and honor the Sangha.”
Sao Dhammasami
