The mummified body of a Buddhist Master from 1,000 years ago still has healthy bones and a complete brain, a CT scan has revealed.
The mummified body of a Buddhist Master from 1,000 years ago still has healthy bones and a complete brain, a CT scan has revealed.
The preserved body of Buddhist Master Ci Xian underwent a CT scan last week in China Photo:Dinghui Temple
The discovery was made last week after the gilded remains of Master Ci Xian was given a medical check at the Dinghui Temple in Wu’an, northern China’s Hebei Province.
The temple’s management arranged a CT scan for master Ci Xian’s body on July 8 Photo:Dinghui Temple
Master Ci Xian was said to be a respected monk who had travelled from ancient India to ancient China to promote Buddhism.
The CT scan took place on July 8 and was witnessed by monks, media and prayers.
People were shocked when doctors said Master Ci Xian still had a full skeleton, and a complete brain.
Monks were shocked when doctors said Master Ci Xian still has healthy bones and a brain Photo:Dinghui Temple
Dr Wu Yongqing told Pear Video after the scan: ‘We can see his bones are as healthy as a normal person’s.
An X-ray provided by Ding Hui Temple shows the skull of Master Ci Xian, from 1,000 years ago Photo:Dinghui Temple
‘The upper jaw, the upper teeth, the ribs, the spine and all the joints are all complete.
‘It’s incredible to see this.’
His upper jaw, the upper teeth, the ribs, the spine (pictured) and all the joints are all complete Photo:Dinghui Temple
According to historic records, Master Ci Xian was originally from India.
He travelled to the Kingdom of Khitan (916-1125) in north-east part of modern China near the Korean Peninsula to spread Buddhist philosophy.
He is said to have translated 10 major Sutras into Chinese characters. Later, he was named the national Buddhist Master of Khitan by the king.
Some of his translations were engraved into stone tablets and can be seen today.
The mummified monk is kept at the Dinghui Temple in Wu’an. The temple’s monks had the Ci Xian’s remains gilded last year.
Photo:Dinghui Temple
After Master Ci Xian passed away, his disciples had his body preserved but it later went lost over the years.
His remains were re-discovered in 1970s inside a cave.
Master Du from the Dinghui Temple said Buddhist Master Ci Xian’s preserved body had been worshipped at the Dinghui Temple since 2011.
The temple decided to have the remains gilded last year.
Master Ci Xian’s remains were found in a cave in the 1970s. It has been kept at the Dinghui Temple since 2011. The temple decided to add a golden layer to the remains to show its respect Photo:Dinghui Temple
Master Ci Xian is expected to be moved from the Dinghui Temple to the Shendu Temple on Xiangtang Mountain, which is being constructed.
Master Du said the public could still worship Master Ci Xian at the Dinghui Temple from now to the end of 2017.
