It dominated headlines in 2015 when the most precious of Buddhist Relics found their new home in Nanjing. Now, with the 6th Jinling Buddhist Cultural Month kicking off today in Niushou Mountain, an open display marks this world-wide Buddhism celebration until 22nd July.
According to sutras and scriptures, pearl-like objects were found in Shakyamuni Buddha’s ashes (Sanskrit: Śarīra) after his death and cremation. Among them, the crystallisation of the head bone is considered the most precious among Buddhists; there is only one piece left today, that unearthed in Nanjing.
During excavation for Nanjing’s Dabaoen Temple in 2008, an Ashoka’s Stupa was unearthed, and found to house the Buddha’s head bone. Amid much pomp and ceremony, it was later brought for temporary keeping in Qixia Temple.
On 27th Ocotober 2015, a grand ceremony was held for the arrival of the Buddha Sarira in Niushou Mountain, as hundreds of Buddhist Spiritual leaders from all over the world came to Nanjing to witness the event.
The 35cm long yellowish head bone with clear follicle is regarded as the most sacred object in the Buddhism world.
It is said after Buddha’s cremation, the Relics were divided amongst eight royal families and his disciples; centuries later they would be enshrined by King Ashoka into 84,000 stupas and legend has it the piece found in Nanjing has some connection with this distribution. It could also be a result of the spread of Buddhism during the Tang dynasty.
The public only get to see the Relics seven times a year, on New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year, National Day and important dates in the Buddhist calendar. This time however, people have a whole month to marvel at the wonders of the Buddhist world.
Included in the month-long celebration shall also be many Buddhist cultural activities and academic seminars including a Buddhist paintings exhibition, Buddhist collections exhibition and charity auction, Buddhist lectures and, last but not least, meditation.
Niushou Mountain is located in Jiangning District:- 牛首山文化旅游区牛首广场（东入口广场）
