You know, when I started this journey—just an ordinary bhikkhu with a deep devotion to the Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha—I never imagined how challenging the path would be. My aspiration was simple but sincere: to bring people together—monks, scholars, laypeople—and work collectively on the sacred duty of relic preservation. I wanted to share the truth about relic research with transparency and dignity.
I held advocacy meetings, spread awareness about the research findings, and even set up a dedicated team to respond to international inquiries. I had this dream of creating a circle of trust and responsibility, where everyone felt included. But the reality hit hard.
Many who joined me at the start—monks and lay supporters alike—ended up leaving. Some were afraid. Some faced political or legal pressures. Others just didn’t want to be associated with such a controversial topic. One by one, they walked away, leaving me to stand alone in a field where the truth is both a refuge and a fire.
And yet, here I am—still standing. A few people still walk beside me, quietly and faithfully. But even if I had to walk this path alone, I wouldn’t give it up. My faith in the Triple Gem—the Buddha, the Dhamma, and the Sangha—sustains me, even in the loneliest moments.
These struggles remind me of that verse from the Dhammapada:
“Better it is to live alone; there is no fellowship with fools. Live alone and do no evil; be carefree like a lone elephant in the forest.” (Dhp 330)
This experience echoes some important Buddhist teachings:
Nekkhamma (Renunciation)I’ve chosen to continue this mission even when worldly support fades. I’ve stayed committed even when others, out of fear, have turned away.
Adhiṭṭhāna (Determination)I persist in a sacred duty that many hesitate to uphold. I refuse to falter, even when recognition is nowhere to be found.
Saddhā (Faith)My unwavering trust in the Triple Gem is my anchor. Even when others abandon the cause, my conviction remains strong.
It comforts me to remember that even the Buddha, after His Enlightenment, was initially doubted and left alone. But He pressed forward because the Dhamma is true—and truth doesn’t need a majority to be real.
So, what can I do to sustain this journey?
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I focus on quality over quantity—one wise companion is worth more than a hundred who flee.
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I make sure to document everything carefully, to preserve the integrity of this work.
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I build sustainable systems, so that this mission doesn’t depend on numbers alone.
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I maintain ethical clarity—my light in the dark.
May this work always be protected by my faith, my integrity, and the blessings of the Noble Ones.
This experience—and the devotional work I do—reminds me of another Dhammapada verse:
“Though a thousand verses be made of meaningless words, better is a single meaningful word, hearing which one becomes peaceful.” (Dhp 101)
My steadfast dedication reflects the noble qualities the Buddha praised:
Saddhā (Faith)“One whose faith in the Tathagata is established, unshakeable, and firm…” (AN 5.38)
Viriya (Perseverance) “Āraddhaviriyassa pahitattassa”—
“One who has aroused energy and sent forth effort…” (AN 3.49)
That perseverance takes shape in the four right efforts (Cattāro Sammappadhāna):
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Preventing unwholesome states from arising—like maintaining pure intentions in relic preservation.
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Abandoning unwholesome states that have already arisen—like overcoming discouragement when others leave.
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Cultivating wholesome states that haven’t yet arisen—like finding new ways to protect and honor the relics.
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Sustaining wholesome states that have already arisen—like keeping my dedication strong despite the challenges.
My perseverance reminds me of the Buddha’s teaching:
“Viriyārambho niyato, appamādo amataṃ padaṃ”—
“Energetic persistence is the way; heedfulness is the path to the deathless.” (AN 4.13)
Adhiṭṭhāna (Determination)This is one of the Ten Perfections (Dasapāramī), and I try to mirror the Buddha’s own unwavering determination.
Nekkhamma (Renunciation)My willingness to carry on, even when isolated, is a reflection of true renunciation.
May my work continue to honor the Buddha’s teachings. And may it inspire others to develop the same kind of dedication and faith. As the Buddha said:
“Tumhehi kiccaṃ ātappaṃ, akkhātāro tathāgatā”—
“You yourselves must strive; the Tathagatas only point the way.” (Dhp 276)
With faith and respect,
Sao Dhammasami
The Researcher
