Unique 17th-Century Monk Relics at Dau Pagoda

via Viet Nam Net, 04 July 2024: Vietnam’s Dau Pagoda, constructed between 200 and 210 AD, houses unique 17th-century monastic relics of Zen Masters Vu Khac Minh and Vu Khac Truong. In 1983, X-rays confirmed these statues contain their preserved bodies. Designated national treasures in 2016, these relics remain naturally preserved.

Dau Pagoda is famous for housing the relics of two monks who achieved enlightenment in the early 17th century. Zen Master Vu Khac Minh passed away in 1639, leaving behind his whole-body relic. His disciple, Vu Khac Truong, also attained enlightenment and left behind a similar relic.

In 1983, scientists transported the statues to Bach Mai Hospital for X-ray analysis, confirming that they were indeed the preserved bodies of the two monks. The scans revealed intact skeletal structures and brain matter within the skulls, ruling out mummification methods involving organ removal.

According to Venerable Thich Quang Minh, the abbot of Dau Pagoda, these relics have naturally preserved for nearly 400 years without any human or scientific intervention. The bodies remain in their natural state, with the joints and bones intact without the use of adhesives.

The relics are currently housed in glass cases within the pagoda. They were left undisturbed from 1639 until 1983, when they were moved for examination. Since then, they have been placed back in the main hall.

Source: Vietnam’s Dau Pagoda: Home to unique 17th-century monastic relics