Origin and History of Sarira
In Buddhism, Sarira is a term derived from Sanskrit, meaning "body." This term is divided into Jinshin Sarira and Seung Sarira. Jinshin Sarira refers to the remains of bones and teeth left after the cremation of Gautama Buddha, while Seung Sarira refers to the crystalline formations discovered after the cremation of Buddhist monks.
Jinshin Sarira originated from the relics left after the cremation of Gautama Buddha, among which the most famous are the stupas erected by dividing the relics into eight parts, each taken by a tribe. King Ashoka, who unified India, excavated eight Sarira stupas and divided Gautama Buddha's Sarira into 84,000 pieces, erecting stupas nationwide and even exporting some to China.
Various Narratives of Sarira
Several narratives surround Sarira in Buddhism. Among them, there were stories about monks' ascetic practices leading to seminal fluid turning into Sarira or concretions forming in the body turning into Sarira, but these narratives have been discarded.
The most prominent narrative today is the "Bone China" narrative. In Britain, where porcelain could not be produced due to a lack of kaolin clay, bone china was created by mixing 30% bone ash with clay, resulting in remarkably durable pottery. The "Bone China" narrative focuses on the interaction between the earth floor and ashes from wood fires, along with the component of bones melted at high temperatures, forming crystalline structures known as Sarira.
The typical cremation process occurs at around 1,100 degrees Celsius, but when burning massive amounts of oak firewood, the temperature at the core can exceed 1,600 degrees Celsius. This high-temperature cremation process is considered the reason for Sarira formation, as it combines with the body's state, which may have impaired blood circulation due to prolonged sitting meditation, aligning with Buddhist principles.
Characteristics and Management of Sarira
Sarira holds significant importance for Buddhist believers. Monks call the place where they cremate and enshrine Sarira after death a "bodhi." Due to the sacred nature of Sarira, special care is required for its management. While Sarira is an important legacy, it is also associated with the minds and souls of monks, requiring careful consideration.
Psychological Significance of Sarira
To Buddhist followers, Sarira is not merely bones or crystalline formations but a symbol of the soul. It helps understand the continuity of life and death and realize the truth of life. Monks teach that instead of seeking Sarira, one should explore inner truths and seek spiritual peace.
Sarira is an important legacy to consider, but it may not align with Buddhist beliefs and ethics. Monks emphasize the importance of inner reflection and seeking truth. They believe there is more value in finding oneself and spiritual growth than in seeking Sarira.
Conclusion
Sarira is an important concept in Buddhism symbolizing the continuity of life and death. However, obtaining Sarira upon one's passing can cause considerable stress. A well-known monk, renowned for his non-owned, left behind a final message upon his last breath
"Do not seek Sarira; seek yourself."