Buddhist leaders urge UK to halt auction of Buddha-linked relics

The Supreme Patriarchs (Mahanayaka Theros) of four main Buddhist chapters - Malwatta, Asgiriya, Amarapura, and Ramanna - have appealed to the British government to intervene and stop the public auction of archaeological relics believed to be linked to the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha.

In a formal letter addressed to the British High Commissioner in Colombo, the senior Buddhist monks voiced strong objections to the planned auction of a collection of ancient jewels discovered in Uttar Pradesh, India. The collection is reportedly set to go under the hammer at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong this Wednesday.

“We are shocked to learn that a collection of invaluable jewels linked to the corporeal remains of Lord Buddha is scheduled to go under the hammer,” the letter stated, warning that such an act would represent a grave loss to world heritage.

The artefacts, which include amethysts, pearls, carnelians, shell ornaments, and embossed gold sheets, were excavated from a mound in Northern India over a century ago by a British colonial officer. They have been described by Sotheby’s as possessing “unparalleled religious, archaeological and historical importance.”

Citing remarks by Nicolas Chow, Chairman of Sotheby’s Asia and a noted expert in Asian art, the Buddhist leaders emphasized the significance of the discovery, which Chow has called “one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of all time.”

The letter states Sri Lanka’s deep spiritual and emotional connection to the relics, which are venerated by Buddhists around the world. “These relics are not merely historical items; they are sacred and worshipped by millions,” the letter stated, appealing to the UK’s understanding of the cultural and religious gravity of the issue.

The appeal from Sri Lanka’s monastic leadership follows a strong statement by the Indian government, which on Tuesday condemned the auction and demanded the return of the relics to India. Indian officials argue the jewels, which they describe as “gem relics,” were removed during the colonial era and hold immense religious significance.