Śarīra

Sarira (Sanskrit, Tibetan Ringsel ) is a designation for Buddhist relics. Most including small beads or crystal -like spheres are understood, after the death of a Buddhist master after its combustion in the ash can be found in the Buddhist tradition. Various Buddhist traditions are revered and the Sariras them special powers are attributed.

Formation

As the Sariras arise exactly is not known. Possible explanations for a natural origin are a crystallization of bone when burned or remnants of kidney stones, gall stones or urinary stones. Furthermore, it may as well be the remains of smaller bones or intentionally or unintentionally resulting artifacts around from grave goods or other additions at the cremation. Outside of Buddhism (for example, concretions ) not pay attention to such combustion remains, therefore, differences in the number or shape of such formations are not easily detected in different cultures.

Etymology

The term sarira or " sarira " ( शरीर ) is a loan word from Sanskrit ( sarira ) and originally means " body ", but was used in Buddhist Sanskrit texts as a term for " relics ". The term " Ringsel " is a loanword from the Tibetan language. Usually the words sarira and Ringsel be used as synonyms. The discovered after the cremation beads or balls are only one aspect of the term. Even mummified human remains of major clergy, and ashes and other remains after cremation are referred to it. In a figurative sense, the essence of a doctrine ( Dharma - kaya after the three-body theory ) can be understood as including Mahayana Buddhism.

Pictures

Sariras the Supreme Patriarch of Thailand monk

Sariras

Container with the Buddha's relics from Kanishka stupa in Peshawar, Pakistan, now in Mandalay, Burma