See photo of a mummified 200-year-old monk who is said to be 'NOT dead' but in 'very deep meditation'

 

This mummified monk was found in this lotus position has been said to be "not dead" but is in "very deep meditation". Forensic examinations are under way on this amazing remains which are believed to be around 200 years old, having been preserved in animal skin.


Experts believe that the human relic is actually in a rare and very special spiritual state known as 'tukdam' and is just one stage away from becoming a real-life Buddha.


Ganhugiyn Purevbata, who is the founder and professor of the Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art at Ulaanbaatar Buddhist University, said: "Lama is sitting in the lotus position vajra, the left hand is opened, and the right hand symbolizes of the preaching Sutra.


"This is a sign that the Lama is not dead, but is in a very deep meditation according to the ancient tradition of Buddhist lamas."

Dr Barry Kerzin, a famous Buddhist monk and a physician to the Dalai Lama, said: "I had the privilege to take care of some meditators who were in a tukdam state. If the person is able to remain in this state for more than three weeks, which rarely happens, his body gradually shrinks, and in the end all that remains from the person is his hair, nails, and clothes.


"Usually in this case, people who live next to the monk see a rainbow that glows in the sky for several days. This means that he has found a 'rainbow body'. This is the highest state close to the state of Buddha'.


He further added: "If the meditator can continue to stay in this meditative state, he can become a Buddha. Reaching such a high spiritual level the meditator will also help others, and all the people around will feel a deep sense of joy."

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The mummified remains, which were covered in cattle skin, were found on January 27 in the Songinokhairkhan province of Mongolia. But police have revealed that the monk had been stolen from another part of the country and was about to be sold off. An unnamed official said that it was taken from a cave in the Kobdsk region by a man who then hid it in his own home in Ulaanbaatar.
He had then been planning to sell it on the black market at a "very high price", with local media claiming he wanted to take it over the Mongolian border. Police uncovered the plot and quickly arrested a 45-year-old, named only as Enhtor.


According to Article 18 of the Criminal Code of Mongolia smuggling items of cultural heritage are punishable with either a fine of up to 3million roubles ($43,000) or between five and 12 years in prison.


The monk is now being guarded at the National Centre of Forensic Expertise at Ulaanbaatar.