Buddhists are not convinced a recently discovered mummified monk is actually dead. In fact, they say he’s in a deep meditative state known as tukdam and could potentially be the next Buddha. The monk’s remains were discovered in Mongolia in late January.
“’If the meditator can continue to stay in this meditative state, he can become a Buddha,” Dr. Barry Kerzin, a famous monk and physician to the Dalai Lama, told the Siberian Times. “Reaching such a high spiritual level the meditator will also help others, and all the people around will feel a deep sense of joy.”
Remains of the monk, who was found seated in the lotus position, are expected to be about 200 years old.
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