Buddhist World Rallies to Halt Auction of Sacred Relics

Sacred Heritage Under Threat

A revered Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has voiced deep concern over the attempted auction of relics believed to be associated with the Buddha, calling for immediate international action to halt their commodification. Venerable Waskaduwe Mahindawansa Maha Nayaka Thera, chief incumbent of the Waskaduwe Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Viharaya, is leading efforts to stop the sale of these sacred artifacts by descendants of the British colonial officer who unearthed them over a century ago.

Auction Suspended After Global Outcry

The auction, initially scheduled for May 7 by Sotheby’s Hong Kong, has been put on hold following protests by the Indian government and Buddhist communities worldwide. Venerable Mahindawansa Thera had earlier written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India’s Archaeological Department, urging intervention. He has now thanked Indian authorities for their swift and decisive response.

Origins of the Relics: A Colonial Discovery

The relics in question were discovered in 1898 by William Peppé, a British official who excavated an ancient stupa at Piprahwa, located just south of Lumbini—the Buddha’s birthplace—and 160 km from Kusinara, where the Buddha attained Parinibbana. Among the finds were gems, relic caskets, and what are believed to be corporeal relics of the Buddha.

A Sacred Trust: Sri Lankan Temple’s Historical Connection

Venerable Mahindawansa Thera emphasized that the Waskaduwe Rajaguru Sri Subhuthi Viharaya holds relics from the Piprahwa site as part of a sacred trust. These were gifted to the late Most Venerable Sri Subhuthi Mahanayake Thero in recognition of his assistance in translating inscriptions found on the relic caskets—written in Mauryan Brahmi / Pali script.

“This temple has safeguarded the relics with the utmost reverence for over a century,” said the Thera. “To see other parts of the same collection being auctioned as commodities is deeply troubling.”

Relics Shared Among Buddhist Nations

Historical records indicate that the sacred relics were divided at the time of discovery:

One portion was sent to the King of Thailand

Another to the King of Burma (Myanmar)

A third portion was retained by Mr. Peppé and passed down through his family

It is part of this retained collection that has now surfaced in the controversial Sotheby’s auction listing.

Monk Calls for Dialogue with Peppé Family

Venerable Mahindawansa Thera has now pledged to contact the Peppé descendants directly in a bid to stop the auction permanently. “These relics are not family heirlooms or art objects to be sold,” he said. “They are part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of millions of Buddhists.”

He added that discussions must be held with sensitivity and urgency to return the relics to a place of worship or protection, not private ownership.

Sotheby’s Removes Listing Amid Pressure

Following growing international condemnation, the Sotheby’s Hong Kong website has since removed the listing for the auctioned relics. While the auction has been paused, there is still uncertainty surrounding the final fate of these sacred items.

A Call for Global Respect and Protection

The episode has ignited fresh calls for stricter global regulations on the trade and auction of culturally significant and religious artifacts. Buddhist leaders across Asia are urging countries to work collectively to protect such relics from being sold, lost, or misused.

“This is a time for Buddhists worldwide to unite,” said Venerable Mahindawansa Thera. “These relics belong not to individuals, but to the Dhamma, and to all who revere it.”

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