Buddha relics uplift the faithful

Devotees viewing the Buddha relics at the Wesak Day celebration at the temple in Jalan Kampar, Penang. (Inset) A close-up of the Buddha relics on display. — Photos: ASRI ABDUL GHANI/The Star

LEGENDS abound around Buddha relics, from beliefs that they are indestructible and guarded by powerful deities, and for Wesak Day in Penang, Buddhists had the rare chance to see them up close.

Encased in gold and glass, the whitish relics that look like little pearls are on display and devotees can view them with the help of magnifying glasses at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Jalan Kampar.

Buddhists went by the thousands yesterday and formed a long queue to view the sacred artefacts.

When Buddha passed away more than 2,500 years ago, his remains were cremated. Buddhists believe that when those who are morally and spiritually unblemished are cremated, tiny bead-shaped objects resembling pearls or crystals are left behind.

(Left pic) Dr Surya (centre) explaining about the enlarged Buddha footprint with 108 signs at the Wesak Day celebration at the Mahindarama Buddhist Temple in Jalan Kampar, Penang,

According to the Mahaparinibbana Sutta of the Pali Canon in the Buddhist Theravada tradition, kings and lords vied for the honour of protecting Buddha’s relics, but a lay follower, the Brahmin Dona, persuaded them to agree that the relics be equally divided so that “stupas (pagodas) far and wide be put up that all may see and gain in faith”.

In an unverified report in 1993, it was said that Korean scientists ran a chemical analysis on a Buddha relic and found that it contained the radioactive element protactinium on top of lithium, titanium, sodium, chrome, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, aluminium oxide, fluorine, silicon dioxide and another 12 types of chemicals.

They also found that the relic tested had a hardness that surpassed steel.

The relics in Mahindarama Temple can still be viewed today and tomorrow, from 8am to 10pm.

Devotees offer prayers at the temple’s main shrine

Devotee Chan Ai Lin, 30, was ecstatic at being able to see them with her own eyes.

“I didn’t know they had Buddha relics here. It is a special feeling,” said the pharmacist.

Temple management committee member Dr Surya Dharamdass said this year’s celebrations were done on a grander scale because it was also the temple’s 100th anniversary.

To rejoice, she said monks and devotees made lanterns, including a lotus-shaped one almost 4m tall and an intricate artwork depicting peace and harmony that was done by a 71-year-old monk from Sri Lanka.

“We gave out free vegetarian food to devotees,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Wesak Day theme for this year ‘Harmonious Society Through Tolerance and Understanding’, comes at the right time, as without tolerance and understanding, there will not be a harmonious society.

“On May 9, we witnessed one of the greatest historical moments of the nation.

“After 60 years, the people decided to change the Federal government through the ballot box in a peaceful manner, without shedding a single drop of blood.

“Penang, with more than 230 years of history that respects all faiths and beliefs, will continue to spearhead celebrations of these cultures and traditions,” he said in a statement.

Chow said as the new Chief Minister, he pledged to uphold the constitution of the country and will do his best to keep the state safe and in harmony.

“Penang is always open to new ideas and criticism as we respect the freedom of speech and need to be receptive to move forward.

“As we usher in the new era of Malaysia, we should also change our way of life and attitude by being better citizens, better children, parents, friends and be nicer towards each other,” he said.