Lama Sangha Tenzin, a Buddhist monk believed to have died in the 1500s, is renowned for his naturally mummified remains discovered in 1975 in Gue, a small village in the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. His tomb is located near the Line of Actual Control (LOC) in the Spiti Valley, and his body is the only known naturally mummified (self-mummified) Buddhist monk in India.
In 1975, an earthquake in northern India revealed an ancient tomb containing the mummified body of the monk Sangha Tenzin. This significant discovery was later excavated in 2004 by local police, who removed the remarkably well-preserved mummy. The mummy retains its skin and hair and remains in a seated position with a rope around the neck and thighs, a practice noted in some esoteric Buddhist texts.
Local legends add a mystical dimension to Sangha Tenzin’s mummification. It is said that during a severe scorpion infestation in the town, Sangha Tenzin requested his followers to mummify him. Upon his death, marked by the departure of his spirit, a rainbow appeared in the sky, and the scorpions vanished. This legend underscores the spiritual reverence associated with his remains.
The town where this discovery was made is situated approximately 30 miles from the Tabo Monastery, which dates back to 996 CE. The close proximity to such an ancient and significant religious site adds to the historical and cultural importance of Sangha Tenzin’s mummy. The well-preserved state of his remains, coupled with the intriguing local lore, continues to draw interest from researchers and visitors alike, offering a unique glimpse into the spiritual practices and beliefs of the region.
Discovery of a Natural Mummy
Natural mummification is very rare, requiring specific conditions of extreme temperatures and dry air to preserve the body. Unlike the more common mummies found in textbooks and museums, which were preserved through embalming—a chemical process involving the removal of internal organs and the use of preservatives before wrapping the body in linen—natural mummification relies solely on environmental factors.
Buddhist monks of Japan and Tibet have developed a unique method of self-mummification. This process, known as Sokushinbutsu in Japan, involves a rigorous and gradual regimen that the monk undertakes while still alive.
- Dietary Restrictions: The monk begins by eliminating foods like barley, rice, and beans from his diet, which contribute to body fat. Instead, the diet consists mainly of nuts, seeds, and roots to gradually reduce the body’s fat content. Fat is prone to decomposition, so its removal helps in better preservation of the body
- Dehydration: In preparation for death, the monk may also use candles to dry out his skin, running them along his body to remove moisture. This step is essential to prevent the growth of bacteria that cause decay.
- Starvation and Meditation: The monk then undergoes a prolonged period of starvation, often accompanied by meditation, and eventually dies in a seated position. This is typically done in a meditative pose, reflecting a state of prayer and spiritual preparation.
- Post-Mortem Preservation: After death, the monk’s body is placed in an underground chamber for about three years. This environment continues the drying process, allowing the body to dehydrate further. Following this period, the body is treated again with candles to ensure it is thoroughly dried out.
- Final Display: The preserved body is often placed in a temple or shrine, where it is revered as a statue in perpetual prayer. The monk’s body, now a mummy, serves as a symbol of spiritual discipline and dedication.
This method of self-mummification is extremely rare, with fewer than thirty such mummies discovered worldwide, most of them on Japan’s main island, Honshu. The process showcases the monks’ extraordinary commitment to their spiritual practices and their belief in achieving a form of eternal meditation.
