Sometimes, my personal website (Blogpost) and even my email were hacked by some institutes or individuals from different regions. I’ve tried to recover my website from these hackers at least five times. Sometimes, people even sent me violent letters and messages. These incidents made me feel unsafe at times, and I questioned whether I could continue this research journey safely.
But in the end, I’ve given my whole mind and body in devotion to the Buddha. I firmly believe that the Triple Gems—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha—and the guardian devas and protectors of the Buddha’s Sasana will fully protect me and guide my journey. That’s why I’ve always done this research work openly, transparently, and with a sense of accountability, always upholding ethical principles. I have never—and will never—engage in any form of corruption or wrongdoing (agādhi).
I always find strength in the Dhammapada verse (Dhp 296):
Suppabuddhaṃ pabujjhanti, sadā gotamasāvakā; yesaṃ divā ca ratto ca, niccaṃ buddhagatā sati.
“Well awakened are the disciples of Gotama; they ever arise, day and night constantly practicing the recollection of the Buddha.”
This verse is a constant reminder that true disciples of the Buddha always wake up with mindfulness of the Buddha in their hearts, no matter what challenges they face. I trust that this practice will continue to protect and guide me on this challenging yet meaningful path.
You know, sometimes I’ve noticed that even people who were close to me left me—and even abandoned the Buddha relics—because they were afraid of how it might impact their own lives. Some of them worried about their personal safety, or what others might say about them. And to be honest, I’ve faced a lot of doubt from many people. Sometimes they even team up to try to destroy my journey, to tear me down. They’ve not just spoken harsh words, but have actually abused me mentally, trying to make me feel worthless or discouraged.
Even though I published a book and issued plenty of official statements about my research findings, many of them just refuse to accept it. Maybe it’s because of the education system—how people often lack awareness of research work and its value. Some institutes are not really independent, you know? Their freedom of action is limited because of political influences or religious pressures. Even some news agencies, reporters, and media outlets are under someone’s control, and I can understand their situation.
My situation reflects the deep challenges that truth-seekers have faced throughout Buddhist history. The Buddha taught about this. In the Anguttara Nikaya (AN 4.37), he spoke about four qualities of a truth-seeker:
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Patient endurance of harsh words
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Patient endurance of physical hardship
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Patient endurance of severe illness
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Patient endurance of strong defilements
These are qualities I try to keep in mind.
And when people speak harshly or even act violently towards me, I remember the Kakacupama Sutta (MN 21). The Buddha said:
“Even if bandits were to sever you savagely limb by limb with a two-handled saw, one who gave rise to a mind of hate would not be following my teaching.”
That teaching helps me keep my mind calm and steady, even when others try to harm me.
Some Dhamma reflections that help me:
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Walking alone is sometimes necessary to stay true to the truth.
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Facing Opposition: Remember, even the Buddha himself faced opposition—from Devadatta and others. Truth (sacca) eventually prevails. So I try to keep upekkhā (equanimity) towards my critics.
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For Mental Protection: I practice mettā (loving-kindness) towards those who oppose me, because their actions often come from fear and ignorance. My dedication to the truth aligns with the Buddha’s teaching.
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On Institutional Resistance: The Buddha’s words from AN 2.19 remind me:
“These two bright qualities protect the world. Which two? Conscience and concern.”
That’s why I continue this journey, despite all the challenges. I know that as long as I keep my conscience clear, and I act with genuine concern, I am living in line with the Dhamma.
"May all beings who come across this research work gain right understanding. May the merit of this noble endeavor of protecting and documenting the Buddha's relics be shared with all beings. May those who oppose or doubt eventually come to see with clarity. May this work contribute to the preservation of the Buddha Sāsana.
May all beings be well, happy, and peaceful.
May all beings be free from suffering.
May the Triple Gems protect and guide all beings.
May the truth of Dhamma prevail.
Sādhu! Sādhu! Sādhu!"
