Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov

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Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov (1852–1927) was a Buddhist lama from Russia who is best known for the remarkable state of preservation of his body, which remains a subject of interest and veneration in the Buddhist community. Itigilov was a prominent figure in the Buddhist tradition of Buryatia, a region in Siberia, and played a significant role in the spiritual life of the area during his lifetime.

Biography

Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov was born in 1852 in the territory of what is now Buryatia, Russia. He was ordained as a Buddhist monk in his early years and quickly rose through the ranks to become a highly respected lama. Itigilov was deeply involved in the education and spiritual guidance of the Buddhist community in Siberia. He is noted for his efforts in promoting Buddhism and for his work in establishing monasteries and religious schools in the region.

In 1927, Itigilov informed his students that he was about to die and instructed them to begin meditation ceremonies. He then entered into a state of meditation and reportedly left his body behind in a state of deep meditation. Following his instructions, his body was placed in a pine box and buried.

Discovery and Preservation

In 2002, Itigilov's body was exhumed by Buddhist monks and found to be remarkably well-preserved, with minimal signs of decay. This discovery astonished both the scientific community and the general public. The body was in such a preserved state that it appeared as though Itigilov had only been deceased for a short period. The monks considered this to be a sign of Itigilov's spiritual attainment and a miracle.

Following the exhumation, Itigilov's body was placed in the Ivolginsky Datsan, a major Buddhist monastery in Buryatia, where it remains on display in a glass case. Devotees and visitors come from around the world to pay their respects and to witness the preserved body of the lama.

Significance in Buddhism

Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov holds a significant place in Buddhism, particularly within the Russian and Buryat communities. His life and teachings continue to be a source of inspiration for many. The preservation of his body is seen by some as a sign of his high spiritual attainment and as evidence of the power of meditation and spiritual practice. Itigilov's preserved state is often compared to other Buddhist monks who have undergone similar phenomena, known as Sokushinbutsu in Japan.

Controversies and Scientific Interest

The preservation of Itigilov's body has sparked interest among scientists and skeptics, who have proposed various theories for the body's condition, ranging from environmental factors to the specific burial methods used. However, no conclusive explanation has been universally accepted, and the phenomenon remains a subject of debate and research.

Legacy

Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov's legacy continues to influence both the spiritual and cultural spheres in Russia and beyond. His life and the miraculous state of his body after death serve as a reminder of the mysteries that surround spiritual practices and the potential for achieving extraordinary states of being.