Difference between revisions of "Śarīra"
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| − | [[Image:Buddha relics.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Buddha relics from Kanishka's [[stupa]] in Peshawar, {{Wiki|Pakistan}}, now in Mandalay, [[Burma]]. Teresa Merrigan, 2005]] | + | [[Image:Buddha relics.JPG|thumb|right|300px|Buddha relics from Kanishka's [[stupa]] in [[Peshawar]], {{Wiki|Pakistan}}, now in [[Mandalay]], [[Burma]]. Teresa Merrigan, 2005]] |
| − | [[Śarīra]] ({{SanskritBig|[[शरीर]]}}) is a generic term referring to "[[Buddhist relics]]", although in common usage it usually refers to pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped [[objects]] that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of [[Buddhist]] [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. [[Sarira]] are held to emanate or incite '[[blessings]]' and 'grace' ([[Sanskrit]]: adhishthana) within the [[mindstream]] and [[experience]] of those connected to them. [[Sarira]] are also believed to ward off [[evil]] in the [[Himalayan]] [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]]. | + | [[Śarīra]] ({{SanskritBig|[[शरीर]]}}) is a generic term referring to "[[Buddhist relics]]", although in common usage it usually refers to {{Wiki|pearl}} or crystal-like bead-shaped [[objects]] that are purportedly found among the [[Wikipedia:cremation|cremated]] ashes of [[Buddhist]] [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. [[Sarira]] are held to [[emanate]] or incite '[[blessings]]' and 'grace' ([[Sanskrit]]: [[adhishthana]]) within the [[mindstream]] and [[experience]] of those connected to them. [[Sarira]] are also believed to ward off [[evil]] in the [[Himalayan]] [[Buddhist]] [[tradition]]. |
== {{Wiki|Terminology}} == | == {{Wiki|Terminology}} == | ||
| − | The term [[sarira]] or "[[sharira]]" ({{SanskritBig|[[शरीर]]}}) is a loanword from Sanskrit. The term "[[Sarira]]" originally means "[[body]]" in Sankrit, but when used in [[Buddhist]] [[Sanskrit]] texts to mean "[[relics]]", it is always used in the plural: [[śarīrāḥ]]. The term [[ringsel]] is a loanword from the [[Tibetan language]]. Both of these terms are {{Wiki|ambiguous}} in English; they are generally used as synonyms, although according to some interpretations, [[ringsels]] are a subset of [[sariras]]. | + | The term [[sarira]] or "[[sharira]]" ({{SanskritBig|[[शरीर]]}}) is a loanword from [[Sanskrit]]. The term "[[Sarira]]" originally means "[[body]]" in [[Sankrit]], but when used in [[Buddhist]] [[Sanskrit]] texts to mean "[[relics]]", it is always used in the plural: [[śarīrāḥ]]. The term [[ringsel]] is a loanword from the [[Tibetan language]]. Both of these terms are {{Wiki|ambiguous}} in English; they are generally used as synonyms, although according to some interpretations, [[ringsels]] are a subset of [[sariras]]. |
[[Sarira]] ([[舍利]]) can refer to: | [[Sarira]] ([[舍利]]) can refer to: | ||
| − | * [[Dharma]] [[body]] [[sariras]], or [[sutras]] as told by the [[Buddha]], according to Din Fu Bao's Dictionary of [[Buddhist]] Terms, a [[Dharma]] [[body]] [[sasira]] is "the [[Sutra]] as told by the [[Buddha]]: That which is [[unchanging]] in what is told by the [[Buddha]], is of the same property as the [[essence]] of the [[Buddha]] himself, hence it is called the '[[dharma]] [[body]] [[sarira]]'". | + | * [[Dharma]] [[body]] [[sariras]], or [[sutras]] as told by the [[Buddha]], according to Din [[Fu]] Bao's {{Wiki|Dictionary}} of [[Buddhist]] Terms, a [[Dharma]] [[body]] [[sasira]] is "the [[Sutra]] as told by the [[Buddha]]: That which is [[unchanging]] in what is told by the [[Buddha]], is of the same property as the [[essence]] of the [[Buddha]] himself, hence it is called the '[[dharma]] [[body]] [[sarira]]'". |
| − | * Corporeal and full [[body]] [[sariras]], the cremated remains of the [[Buddha]] (or any other [[spiritual]] [[master]]), but can also be used to refer other remains (for instance, a finger bone), or a preserved [[body]], similar to the {{Wiki|Roman}} Catholic incorruptibles. Full [[body]] [[sariras]] refers to the mummified remains of [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. | + | * Corporeal and full [[body]] [[sariras]], the [[Wikipedia:cremation|cremated]] remains of the [[Buddha]] (or any other [[spiritual]] [[master]]), but can also be used to refer other remains (for instance, a finger bone), or a preserved [[body]], similar to the {{Wiki|Roman}} {{Wiki|Catholic}} incorruptibles. Full [[body]] [[sariras]] refers to the mummified remains of [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. |
| − | * Broken [[body]] [[sariras]] refers specifically to cremated remains. | + | * Broken [[body]] [[sariras]] refers specifically to [[Wikipedia:cremation|cremated]] remains. |
* [[Sariras]] or [[Ringsels]], when used without qualification, the term [[sarira]] generally refers to the pearl-like remnant of a [[master]] left after [[cremation]]. | * [[Sariras]] or [[Ringsels]], when used without qualification, the term [[sarira]] generally refers to the pearl-like remnant of a [[master]] left after [[cremation]]. | ||
| − | The [[word]] "[[shrine]]" is sometimes used as a translation for [[ringsel]] (e.g., [[heart]] [[shrine]] [[relic]] refers to [[ringsels]] that supposedly formed from someone's [[heart]].) This rather peculiar use of the term "[[shrine]]" reflects the [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|concept}} of [[shrine]]. For [[Buddhists]], a [[shrine]] is anything that is deliberately [[constructed]] to remind one of something that is [[essentially]] intangible. [[Ringsels]], whose [[primary]] [[function]] is to act as a memento, serve the same purpose as [[shrines]], hence they are referred to as such. | + | The [[word]] "[[shrine]]" is sometimes used as a translation for [[ringsel]] (e.g., [[heart]] [[shrine]] [[relic]] refers to [[ringsels]] that supposedly formed from someone's [[heart]].) This rather peculiar use of the term "[[shrine]]" reflects the [[Buddhist]] {{Wiki|concept}} of [[shrine]]. For [[Buddhists]], a [[shrine]] is anything that is deliberately [[constructed]] to remind one of something that is [[essentially]] intangible. [[Ringsels]], whose [[primary]] [[function]] is to act as a memento, serve the same {{Wiki|purpose}} as [[shrines]], hence they are referred to as such. |
== Pearl-like [[Sariras]] == | == Pearl-like [[Sariras]] == | ||
| − | Although the term [[sarira]] can be used to refer to a wide variety of [[Buddhist]] [[relics]], as listed above, it is generally used to refer to pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped [[objects]] that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of [[Buddhist]] [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. | + | Although the term [[sarira]] can be used to refer to a wide variety of [[Buddhist]] [[relics]], as listed above, it is generally used to refer to {{Wiki|pearl}} or crystal-like bead-shaped [[objects]] that are purportedly found among the [[Wikipedia:cremation|cremated]] ashes of [[Buddhist]] [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. |
| − | These [[objects]] are considered [[relics]] of significant importance in many sects of [[Buddhism]] since they are believed to embody the [[spiritual]] [[knowledge]], teachings, realizations or living [[essence]] of [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. They are taken as evidence of the [[masters]]' [[enlightenment]] and [[spiritual]] [[purity]]. Some believe that [[sariras]] are deliberately left by the [[consciousness]] of a [[master]] for veneration, and that the beauty of the [[sariras]] depends on how well the [[masters]] had cultivated their [[mind]] and [[souls]]. [[Sariras]] come in a variety of colors, and some are even [[translucent]]. | + | These [[objects]] are considered [[relics]] of significant importance in many sects of [[Buddhism]] since they are believed to embody the [[spiritual]] [[knowledge]], teachings, realizations or living [[essence]] of [[spiritual]] [[masters]]. They are taken [[as evidence]] of the [[masters]]' [[enlightenment]] and [[spiritual]] [[purity]]. Some believe that [[sariras]] are deliberately left by the [[consciousness]] of a [[master]] for veneration, and that the [[beauty]] of the [[sariras]] depends on how well the [[masters]] had cultivated their [[mind]] and [[souls]]. [[Sariras]] come in a variety of colors, and some are even [[translucent]]. |
| − | [[Sariras]] are typically displayed in a glass bowl inside small {{Wiki|gold}} urns or [[stupas]] as well as enshrined inside the [[master]]'s statue. [[Sarira]] are also believed to mysteriously multiply while inside their containers if they have been stored under favorable [[conditions]]. {{Wiki|Saffron}} threads are sometimes placed within or around the bowl containing {{Wiki|individual}} [[sarira]] as an [[offering]]. | + | [[Sariras]] are typically displayed in a glass [[bowl]] inside small {{Wiki|gold}} urns or [[stupas]] as well as enshrined inside the [[master]]'s statue. [[Sarira]] are also believed to mysteriously multiply while inside their containers if they have been stored under [[favorable]] [[conditions]]. {{Wiki|Saffron}} threads are sometimes placed within or around the [[bowl]] containing {{Wiki|individual}} [[sarira]] as an [[offering]]. |
| − | It is believed that {{Wiki|individuals}}, regardless of their [[faith]], will be overcome with [[emotions]] of [[joy]], [[love]], [[peace]], inspiration, or even [[experience]] [[spiritual]] [[transformation]] when in the presence of [[ringsels]]. There have been testimonies of healings and visions attributed to [[seeing]] these [[relics]]. | + | It is believed that {{Wiki|individuals}}, regardless of their [[faith]], will be overcome with [[emotions]] of [[joy]], [[love]], [[peace]], inspiration, or even [[experience]] [[spiritual]] [[transformation]] when in the presence of [[ringsels]]. There have been testimonies of healings and [[visions]] attributed to [[seeing]] these [[relics]]. |
| − | In the [[Korean]] Samguk Yusa it is said that the [[monk]], Myojong, received a [[sarira]] from a [[turtle]] which [[caused]] others to treat the [[monk]] better. | + | In the [[Korean]] [[Samguk Yusa]] it is said that the [[monk]], Myojong, received a [[sarira]] from a [[turtle]] which [[caused]] others to treat the [[monk]] better. |
| − | The occurrence of [[sarira]] is not restricted to ancient times, and many [[Buddhists]] have shown that [[sarira]] are not limited to [[humans]] or [[masters]]. The [[cremation]] of Tong Xian (通显法师) in March 1991 reportedly yielded 11,000 [[sariras]]. Many [[Pure Land]] [[Buddhist texts]] also report [[sariras]] of many adherents, some occurring recently. Parrots and a dog have been reported to leave [[sariras]] after their [[cremation]]. | + | The occurrence of [[sarira]] is not restricted to [[ancient]] times, and many [[Buddhists]] have shown that [[sarira]] are not limited to [[humans]] or [[masters]]. The [[cremation]] of Tong {{Wiki|Xian}} (通显法师) in March 1991 reportedly yielded 11,000 [[sariras]]. Many [[Pure Land]] [[Buddhist texts]] also report [[sariras]] of many {{Wiki|adherents}}, some occurring recently. Parrots and a {{Wiki|dog}} have been reported to leave [[sariras]] after their [[cremation]]. |
| − | Some [[Buddhists]] associate a student's [[spiritual]] [[life]] with the amount and [[condition]] of the [[sarira]] they leave after [[cremation]]. Many [[Pure Land]] [[Buddhists]] believe [[Amitabha]]'s [[power]] [[manifests]] cremated remains into [[sarira]]. Many claim that pearls of [[sarira]] rain at the [[funerals]] of eminent [[monks]]. There are reports that [[sarira]] may appear, multiply or disappear, depending on a keeper's [[thoughts]]. One's [[vow]] may also be important. One legend holds that the translator [[Kumārajīva]] wanted to demonstrate that his translations were not false; as a result his {{Wiki|tongue}} remained intact after [[cremation]]. | + | Some [[Buddhists]] associate a student's [[spiritual]] [[life]] with the amount and [[condition]] of the [[sarira]] they leave after [[cremation]]. Many [[Pure Land]] [[Buddhists]] believe [[Amitabha]]'s [[power]] [[manifests]] [[Wikipedia:cremation|cremated]] remains into [[sarira]]. Many claim that {{Wiki|pearls}} of [[sarira]] [[rain]] at the [[funerals]] of {{Wiki|eminent}} [[monks]]. There are reports that [[sarira]] may appear, multiply or disappear, depending on a keeper's [[thoughts]]. One's [[vow]] may also be important. One legend holds that the [[translator]] [[Kumārajīva]] wanted to demonstrate that his translations were not false; as a result his {{Wiki|tongue}} remained intact after [[cremation]]. |
== Explanations == | == Explanations == | ||
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[[File:Relics of buddha from His Holiness Supreme Patriarch of Thailand 2012.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Relics]] of [[buddha]] from [[His Holiness]] Supreme[[[Patriarch]] of [[Thailand]]]] | [[File:Relics of buddha from His Holiness Supreme Patriarch of Thailand 2012.jpg|thumb|250px|[[Relics]] of [[buddha]] from [[His Holiness]] Supreme[[[Patriarch]] of [[Thailand]]]] | ||
| − | There is evidence that under certain [[conditions]] of heating, [[human]] bones can [[form]] crystalline structures. [[Sarira]] are purported to appear after a [[cremation]], so this could be the mechanism by which they are made. In one chemical analysis, [[sariras]] were found to be composed of the constituent [[elements]] of both bones and stones. But there are also [[hair]], flesh and blood [[sariras]]. | + | There is {{Wiki|evidence}} that under certain [[conditions]] of heating, [[human]] [[bones]] can [[form]] crystalline structures. [[Sarira]] are purported to appear after a [[cremation]], so this could be the {{Wiki|mechanism}} by which they are made. In one chemical analysis, [[sariras]] were found to be composed of the constituent [[elements]] of both [[bones]] and stones. But there are also [[hair]], flesh and {{Wiki|blood}} [[sariras]]. |
==Documentary films == | ==Documentary films == | ||
| − | Pearl [[relics]] are documented in the 2008 film, Unmistaken Child, among the [[cremation]] ashes of [[Geshe Lama Konchog]]. | + | {{Wiki|Pearl}} [[relics]] are documented in the 2008 film, {{Wiki|Unmistaken Child}}, among the [[cremation]] ashes of [[Geshe Lama Konchog]]. |
| − | == In Javanese [[Language]] == | + | == In [[Javanese]] [[Language]] == |
| − | Javanese has a strong historical bond with the [[Hindu]] [[tradition]] and [[Sanskrit]] liturgical [[language]]. [[Śarīra]] is also used in Archaic ([[Kawi]]) Javanese, preserving its original meaning of '[[body]]' or '[[human]] [[body]]'. The [[word]] also finds its way into the modern Javanese [[language]] as "[[slira]]" with the same meaning. "[[Sliramu]]" (strictly translated as 'your [[body]]') and "sliraku" (strictly translated as 'my [[body]]') are usually used in poems or songs to replace "you" and "I", respectively. The [[word]] is not common but is used in both oral and written contexts. | + | [[Javanese]] has a strong historical bond with the [[Hindu]] [[tradition]] and [[Sanskrit]] liturgical [[language]]. [[Śarīra]] is also used in {{Wiki|Archaic}} ([[Kawi]]) [[Javanese]], preserving its original meaning of '[[body]]' or '[[human]] [[body]]'. The [[word]] also finds its way into the {{Wiki|modern}} [[Javanese]] [[language]] as "[[slira]]" with the same meaning. "[[Sliramu]]" (strictly translated as 'your [[body]]') and "sliraku" (strictly translated as 'my [[body]]') are usually used in [[poems]] or [[songs]] to replace "you" and "I", respectively. The [[word]] is not common but is used in both oral and written contexts. |
{{W}} | {{W}} | ||
Revision as of 06:11, 8 January 2016
Śarīra (शरीर) is a generic term referring to "Buddhist relics", although in common usage it usually refers to pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters. Sarira are held to emanate or incite 'blessings' and 'grace' (Sanskrit: adhishthana) within the mindstream and experience of those connected to them. Sarira are also believed to ward off evil in the Himalayan Buddhist tradition.
Terminology
The term sarira or "sharira" (शरीर) is a loanword from Sanskrit. The term "Sarira" originally means "body" in Sankrit, but when used in Buddhist Sanskrit texts to mean "relics", it is always used in the plural: śarīrāḥ. The term ringsel is a loanword from the Tibetan language. Both of these terms are ambiguous in English; they are generally used as synonyms, although according to some interpretations, ringsels are a subset of sariras.
- Dharma body sariras, or sutras as told by the Buddha, according to Din Fu Bao's Dictionary of Buddhist Terms, a Dharma body sasira is "the Sutra as told by the Buddha: That which is unchanging in what is told by the Buddha, is of the same property as the essence of the Buddha himself, hence it is called the 'dharma body sarira'".
- Corporeal and full body sariras, the cremated remains of the Buddha (or any other spiritual master), but can also be used to refer other remains (for instance, a finger bone), or a preserved body, similar to the Roman Catholic incorruptibles. Full body sariras refers to the mummified remains of spiritual masters.
- Broken body sariras refers specifically to cremated remains.
- Sariras or Ringsels, when used without qualification, the term sarira generally refers to the pearl-like remnant of a master left after cremation.
The word "shrine" is sometimes used as a translation for ringsel (e.g., heart shrine relic refers to ringsels that supposedly formed from someone's heart.) This rather peculiar use of the term "shrine" reflects the Buddhist concept of shrine. For Buddhists, a shrine is anything that is deliberately constructed to remind one of something that is essentially intangible. Ringsels, whose primary function is to act as a memento, serve the same purpose as shrines, hence they are referred to as such.
Pearl-like Sariras
Although the term sarira can be used to refer to a wide variety of Buddhist relics, as listed above, it is generally used to refer to pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters.
These objects are considered relics of significant importance in many sects of Buddhism since they are believed to embody the spiritual knowledge, teachings, realizations or living essence of spiritual masters. They are taken as evidence of the masters' enlightenment and spiritual purity. Some believe that sariras are deliberately left by the consciousness of a master for veneration, and that the beauty of the sariras depends on how well the masters had cultivated their mind and souls. Sariras come in a variety of colors, and some are even translucent.
Sariras are typically displayed in a glass bowl inside small gold urns or stupas as well as enshrined inside the master's statue. Sarira are also believed to mysteriously multiply while inside their containers if they have been stored under favorable conditions. Saffron threads are sometimes placed within or around the bowl containing individual sarira as an offering.
It is believed that individuals, regardless of their faith, will be overcome with emotions of joy, love, peace, inspiration, or even experience spiritual transformation when in the presence of ringsels. There have been testimonies of healings and visions attributed to seeing these relics.
In the Korean Samguk Yusa it is said that the monk, Myojong, received a sarira from a turtle which caused others to treat the monk better.
The occurrence of sarira is not restricted to ancient times, and many Buddhists have shown that sarira are not limited to humans or masters. The cremation of Tong Xian (通显法师) in March 1991 reportedly yielded 11,000 sariras. Many Pure Land Buddhist texts also report sariras of many adherents, some occurring recently. Parrots and a dog have been reported to leave sariras after their cremation.
Some Buddhists associate a student's spiritual life with the amount and condition of the sarira they leave after cremation. Many Pure Land Buddhists believe Amitabha's power manifests cremated remains into sarira. Many claim that pearls of sarira rain at the funerals of eminent monks. There are reports that sarira may appear, multiply or disappear, depending on a keeper's thoughts. One's vow may also be important. One legend holds that the translator Kumārajīva wanted to demonstrate that his translations were not false; as a result his tongue remained intact after cremation.
Explanations
There is evidence that under certain conditions of heating, human bones can form crystalline structures. Sarira are purported to appear after a cremation, so this could be the mechanism by which they are made. In one chemical analysis, sariras were found to be composed of the constituent elements of both bones and stones. But there are also hair, flesh and blood sariras.
Documentary films
Pearl relics are documented in the 2008 film, Unmistaken Child, among the cremation ashes of Geshe Lama Konchog.
In Javanese Language
Javanese has a strong historical bond with the Hindu tradition and Sanskrit liturgical language. Śarīra is also used in Archaic (Kawi) Javanese, preserving its original meaning of 'body' or 'human body'. The word also finds its way into the modern Javanese language as "slira" with the same meaning. "Sliramu" (strictly translated as 'your body') and "sliraku" (strictly translated as 'my body') are usually used in poems or songs to replace "you" and "I", respectively. The word is not common but is used in both oral and written contexts.
