The Concept of Relics
In Buddhist teachings, the term Relics refers to the sacred remains or fragments left behind by enlightened beings, particularly after their physical death. These relics are believed to embody the essence of their wisdom and spiritual power. However, there is a deeper, symbolic meaning associated with the idea of relics, which transcends the literal concept of physical remains.
In this context, we often hear the phrase, “To have relics, you must die first.” On the surface, this seems to be a straightforward statement — one must die to leave behind relics. But this is not the whole story. The statement carries a deeper, symbolic significance that requires a more nuanced understanding.
The Literal and Symbolic Meaning
At a literal level, relics are indeed associated with the dead. We usually find relics after someone has passed away, especially those who have attained great spiritual realization. But the deeper meaning of “to have relics, you must die first” is not about physical death; it is about the death of the ego or the self (the “I”). This “death” is a metaphorical one — a process of transcending the attachment to the self, the ego, and the material world.
To “die” in this context means to let go of one’s attachment to personal identity, desires, and possessions. It is about dissolving the illusion of the self that keeps us trapped in cycles of craving, aversion, and ignorance. When we can release our attachment to our ego, we can reach a state of profound peace and wisdom, much like the relics of a great master that remain as a symbol of enlightenment.
The Ego Must Be Disassembled
In Buddhist practice, letting go of the self requires us to break down our attachments, just like “cutting the self into 84,000 pieces.” This dissection of the self is not a literal act but a metaphor for the spiritual work required to free ourselves from egoistic tendencies. The idea is that only when we are willing to surrender our attachment to personal desires, including vanity, wealth, health, and relationships, can we achieve true spiritual transformation.
The path to true liberation involves the cultivation of moral conduct (sila), concentration (samadhi), and wisdom (prajna). These are the essential elements of meditation and mindfulness that help us dismantle our ego, little by little. It is through these practices that we can recognize that the mind, like all things, is impermanent and not “ours.” By releasing the grip of the ego and accepting the transient nature of existence, we can experience the freedom and enlightenment that leads to the creation of “relics” in a symbolic sense.
Letting Go and Attaining Relics
Thus, the true meaning of having relics in Buddhism is not about the physical remains of a body, but about the essence of wisdom and compassion that remains after the ego is “killed” or transcended. To “die” in this context means to let go of the self, to relinquish our attachments to all the things that define us — our personality, status, possessions, and even our personal identity.
When we truly understand and practice this principle, we can transcend suffering and attain the peace that is symbolized by relics. In a sense, our own spiritual practice becomes our “relic,” a manifestation of the wisdom and compassion that arises from the death of the ego. This is why the Buddha and other enlightened beings are revered — because they have transcended the self, and their teachings and essence continue to guide others, even after their physical death.
The Death of the Ego
The phrase “To have relics, you must die first” ultimately refers to the spiritual practice of overcoming the ego. It is a call to each of us to examine our attachments and to gradually let go of the illusions that bind us. Only when we are free from the tyranny of the self can we truly experience the wisdom and compassion that lies at the heart of Buddhism. This “death” is not an end but a new beginning — a transformation that leads to liberation, peace, and enlightenment.
Lesson by Venerable Toại Khanh