Before we kick off today’s newsletter, a quick heads up!
In this edition, we’re venturing into Tibetan traditions and customs which might seem unconventional from a Western perspective. If you've just enjoyed your breakfast, or if you're someone who prefers lighter topics, you might want to take a moment to brace yourself before continuing.
So, grab your tea (or perhaps something a bit stronger), find a comfy seat, and let’s embark on this remarkable adventure together!
Ready?
OK, let’s go!
Hello Friends and Fellow Explorers!
I trust this finds you in great spirits!
As my one-month retreat fast approaches, I've been making occasional visits to the monastery to soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy a lemongrass tea at the monastery café. It's a great spot to meet fellow travellers, and strike up conversations with the Western monks and nuns, and the Tibetan ones too, if they are inclined to chat.
The Monastery Café.
On this particularly bright and sunny day, I take a seat near a pair of friendly Western nuns. We get chatting, and they introduce themselves as Drolma and Sonam. Drolma enquires whether I had felt the recent tremors.
Puzzled, I ask, “Has there been an earthquake?”
"Yes, 6.5, felt as far as Delhi," she responds. "I was quite concerned, so I burned some of Rinpoche's hair."
I had not felt the earthquake, and am about to ask if there has been any major damage, but wait, hang on …
"Did you just say that you burned someone's hair?"
"Yes," she responded with a serene smile, "I have a bag of Rinpoche's hair. In times of trouble, I burn some of it and offer prayers for protection."
Sonam nods in agreement, as if possessing a bag of hair is the most natural thing in the world.
A Curious Ritual Revealed.
Now, Rinpoche is a Tibetan term that means ‘precious one’ - the nuns are referring to their Guru Teacher, a revered Lama who has recently passed away. This title is not just given to any teacher - it is reserved for those who are considered to have attained a significant level of spiritual realization and mastery.
"How did you come to have a bag of his hair?" I ask, genuinely intrigued.
Drolma leans in and lowers her voice, as if about to let me in on a little secret, "I had been invited to sit with Rinpoche one day, and as our session drew to a close, I asked him for a lock of hair," she replies with a gentle shrug. "I don't even know why I asked for it to be honest, it just popped into my head."
Upon her request, the revered Lama had summoned his attendant. Together, they had disappeared into the adjoining room, where the Lama's head was shaved, the hair collected, and presented to the nun, who was simply overjoyed to receive it.
Observing the puzzled expression on my face, Sonam explains that in Tibetan Buddhism, it's not uncommon to request personal items like a lock of hair from one's revered teacher.
"These items are considered sacred," she elaborates. "They are believed to have healing and protective powers. Like the relics they find in the cremation ashes."
Now, I am even more curious.
"They find things in the cremation ashes?" I ask, feeling perplexed.
Sacred Remnants.
Sonam explains that when revered teachers pass away and their bodies are cremated, devoted disciples meticulously sift through the ashes, searching for what they call relics - sections of the body that have miraculously survived the intense heat of cremation. These relics are considered signs of the individual's spiritual attainment and holiness.
"Have you not visited the relics room?" Drolma inquires.
"No, I haven't. Where is it?" I respond, curious to explore this new aspect of the monastery.
"Upstairs, above the Tantric Gompa," she replies with a smile. "The shrine room houses the relics of two past master meditators."
Visiting the Relics Room.
Having savoured the last drops of my tea, I head towards the Tantric Gompa, ascending the stairs with a sense of anticipation. As the door creaks open, I'm struck by an astonishing sight. There, encased in a clear glass box, is a man in monastic robes, sitting serenely in lotus position.
For a split second, I'm startled - is this a real body, preserved and on display?
As I step closer, I am relieved to discover that it is just a remarkably realistic statue.
As I stand there, transfixed by the uncanny effigy, I recall tales of how these Lama statues can sometimes miraculously spring to life, healing you of all your past negative karma - but only if you have accumulated enough merit.
I wait with bated breath.
Alas, it seems I am still deficient in the merit department.
I take a step back, and allow the strangeness of the room to wash over me. A series of museum-style cabinets contain glass dishes cradling a diverse array of items. Among them, some pearl-like objects - tiny, crystalline orbs of varying shapes, sizes, and colours, not much larger than lentils or small peas.
But what are these mysterious objects, and why are they considered relics?
Relics of Enlightenment.
For the faithful, these gem-like objects are believed to form in the heat of cremation flames. They symbolize the purity and clarity of the teacher's mind, as well as their remarkable spiritual attainment. To believers, they are literally the embodiment of enlightenment itself.
The varying colours are attributed to different parts of the body: gold from the flesh, pearl from the bone, and red jasmine from the blood. One label suggests that some of the relics are self-replicating, an even more perplexing detail - they are apparently multiplying over time!
One item catches my attention: a section of skull, with a crystal protruding from one side. Nearby, small piles of copper, and silver hair are carefully arranged. All of these items have been extracted from the ashes of the Lama's cremation.
But how were these remarkable relics formed? Can a spiritual practice really give rise to such curious physical phenomena?
A Rational Consideration.
Though the veneration of relics is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions, it's worth noting that alternative explanations do exist, especially from a scientific and skeptical perspective. For instance, the melting and subsequent solidification of fats or other organic materials could potentially give rise to crystalline or gem-like structures that bear a resemblance to the relics described in Buddhist tradition.
Even amongst the devout Buddhists, some view relic worship as a superstitious practice, while others cherish them as potent symbols of enlightenment and spiritual power. Regardless of whether you approach them with faith or skepticism, these relics are a curious testament to the enduring fascination and diversity of human spirituality.
Reflections and a Curious Invitation.
Leaving the relics room, I unexpectedly run into some fellow guests from my guest house - they have come to the monastery to meditate.
"Where will you sit?" I ask.
"In the room of the recently departed Rinpoche," they reply. "Care to join? His body is in there, they are still embalming him."
Already fascinated by the relics, I am now unexpectedly invited to meditate in a room with the body of a highly esteemed spiritual Master!
Who knows what profound realisations may arise from such an encounter?
But that, my friends, is a tale for another newsletter.
What are your thoughts?
Could burning a Lama’s hair offer some protection when things get hairy?
Are the holy relics actual signs of divinity, or do you lean towards a more skeptical interpretation?
Have you encountered any cultural practices or beliefs that significantly challenged or changed your own perspectives?
I look forward to reading your comments - and don’t forget to click the heart button below - let me know that you appreciate my posts!
Wishing you all a week filled with curiosity, enlightening conversations, and unexpected insights!
✌️❤️
Grant.
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Cool!
This is a really cool story.