If you have any interest whatsoever in rilnag, please visit this site:
http://tinyurl.com/2xze2dPlease do not overlook the links it contains to "On the Allure of Buddhist Relics" and "Pearls from Bones". These are two precious Adobe pdf files well worth downloading.
Once, years ago, my first lama had a plain brown paper bag on his practice table. He motioned me to come over, so of course over I went.
He opened up the bag and dumped out some of the contents: dark ashes containing white pearl like spheres. I about fainted at the power the eminated and realized they were rilnag, i.e., cremation relics from a recently deceased realized one. He looked deeply into my eyes, put everything back in the bag, and then went on with the meeting as though nothing had happened.
For decades that fascination lay dormant in my reality until a few years ago, right before that hideous tsunami destroyed so many unsuspecting Asians in the days following rilnag under my guardianship changed color from pink to dark blue and then in the ensuing months turned all the rainbow colors until finally getting back to pink again.
It has been my great privilege to guard rilnag, actually more than one man needs, but I give it away from time to time.
I urge you to investigate the subject. It adds a dimension to one's practice that most people miss, out of either ignorance or excessive piety.
I understand, in the strict Asian cultures, especially South Korea, that rilnag is kept secreted away from the public, rather like gold bricks. One as to be "worthy" (the same virus is at work in Christianity).
Reminder: Sakyamuni Buddha related to and taught whoever appeared. He didn't give a fig about worthiness then and I'm sure he doesn't now. I often given rilnag away to the "unworthy," only to have more flow my way.
Scott
