China to send Buddhist relic for worship in Thailand

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 ◆ China to send Buddhist relic for worship in Thailand

China will send an ancient Buddhist tooth relic to Thailand to be enshrined and worshipped under an agreement signed by China and Thailand here Saturday (Dec.14).

The relic, or "sheli" in Chinese, is believed to belong to the founder of Buddhism, Sakyamuni, after his attainment of nirvana some 2,500 years ago. It is now treasured in the Lingguang Monastery, in west Beijing.

Under the agreement, the tooth will reside in Thailand from Sunday till March 1 next year to celebrate the 75th birthday of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs, and Thai Foreign Minister Dr. Surakiart Sathirathai signed the agreement on behalf of their governments.

"I sincerely hope that the temporary enshrinement will be a complete success and the sacred tooth relic will bring blessings to the Kingdom of Thailand and its people," Ye said at the signing ceremony.

"The enshrinement of China's sacred tooth relic in Thailand demonstrates the friendly relationship between China and Thailand," Surakiart said.

The Thai delegation receiving the relic is headed by Surakiart while Ye will lead a Chinese team of government officials and Buddhist leaders to escort the relic to Thailand.