Sokushinbutsu (�身�) were Buddhist monks or priests who caused their own deaths in a way that resulted in their mummification. This practice reportedly took place almost exclusively in northern Japan around the Yamagata Prefecture. It is believed that many hundreds of monks tried, but only between 16 and 24 such mummifications have been discovered to date. The practice is not advocated or practiced today by any Buddhist sect.
i was wondering the concept behind Self-Mummification.
it mentioned that it's a secret tantric practices.
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There is this mummified body of Huineng, is kept in Nanhua Temple in Shaoguan Prefecture (northern Guangdong).
ya, i know. it's a body sarira/relic肉身�利. :)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C5%9Aar%C4%ABra
http://sites.google.com/site/philosophydude/sariras.html
・The mummification of deceased spiritual masters is an age old practice among Buddhists in countries like Taiwan, China, and Thailand. The mummies, which are technically known as "Full Body Sariras", but more commonly referred to as "Bodhisattvas in Flesh" (肉身�薩), are highly venerated because it is believed that the incorruptibility (金剛�壞身) of the flesh is a sign of enlightenment.
The practice itself began in ancient China, probably as a modified form of second burial, where the bones of the dead are exhumed, washed, and reburied 3-5 years after the initial burial. The practice is not an indigenous feature of Buddhism, nor does it seem to be supported by Buddhist theology, which generally dismisses the importance of the body.
・The creation of Full Body Sariras is generally seen as a religious ordeal that the deceased undertakes voluntarily. The process begins with a living will: A Buddhist master, upon sensing his own imminent demise, would inform his disciples that he wishes to "seek a Full Body Sarira". meaning that he wants to attempt mummification after death. The practice is not very common, hence explicit instructions is required, otherwise the body would cremated or buried.
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