What exactly are Buddhist relics? Are relics diamonds? How are relics formed?
In Buddhism, the hair, bones, teeth, etc. left behind by eminent monks after their death are all called relics, and relics are the solid substances left after the cremation of eminent monks because they are considered to be It is something refined by great virtues, so it is regarded as a treasure by Buddhists.
Relics come in many colors and shapes, such as black, white, red, green, etc. Some relics are like pearls, some are like agate, crystal, and even more magical ones can also Shine like a diamond. Some eminent monks can even produce colorful relics when they are cremated after death, but this rarely happens when ordinary people are cremated.
The relic is naturally not a diamond, and the reason for its formation has not yet been determined. It is speculated that the relics are caused by chemical reactions between bones and other substances.
Some other seemingly crystal clear relics may have the following causes according to scientific research:
1. Human bones may recrystallize when burned. Phenomenon - so after testing, these relics are actually composed of human bones;
2. If clay and minerals are added during the cremation process, some ashes can form this relic shape. Now Someone has already proposed a method for making "artificial relics" and applied for a patent. So in theory, anyone who can be cremated can produce relics as long as the method is right.
3. Gallstones, funerary objects, etc. are burned to form such relics.
I think we should respect the special meaning given to relics, but we should not blindly believe or slander them.
There is a theory that the formation of relics is actually stones or vegetarian food precipitation, but this statement is difficult to hold because it cannot explain the size and quantity of relics, and stones are actually a common phenomenon. But the appearance of relics is rare.
Current research on relics shows that it is a bone crystal, the main components of which are calcium, phosphorus, silicon and a small amount of aluminum, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and other elements. It is a perfect melt of various minerals such as phosphates, aluminosilicates, and silicates. Regarding its formation method, the burning process to produce relics is more credible.
Generally, it is easy for Buddhist monks to obtain relics after passing away. Relics are also regarded as sacred objects in Buddhism and reflect the level of a monk's skill. Of course, not all eminent monks will have relics. Except for Buddhist monks, it is difficult for others to obtain relics. Some people think that this is related to the light Buddhist diet. But I think it may be because of Buddhist practice that some of the substances in their bodies are slightly different from ours. Perhaps it is this difference that plays a catalytic role in their sparks and can assist the generation of relics, just like the catalyst in chemistry.