The Golden Mummy

The mummified body of a Buddhist Master from 1,000 years ago still has healthy bones and a complete brain, a CT scan has revealed. 

The discovery was made last week after the gilded remains of Master Ci Xian was given a medical check at the Dinghui Temple in Wu’an, northern China’s Hebei Province.

Master Ci Xian was said to be a respected monk who had travelled from ancient India to ancient China to promote Buddhism.

People were shocked when doctors said Master Ci Xian still had a full skeleton, and a complete brain.

 Dr Wu Yongqing said after the scan: ‘We can see his bones are as healthy as a normal person’s. 

‘The upper jaw, the upper teeth, the ribs, the spine and all the joints are all complete.

‘It’s incredible to see this.’

According to historic records, Master Ci Xian was originally from India. 

He travelled to the Kingdom of Khitan (916-1125) in north-east part of modern China near the Korean Peninsula to spread Buddhist philosophy.

He is said to have translated 10 major Sutras into Chinese characters. Later, he was named the national Buddhist Master of Khitan by the king.

Some of his translations were engraved into stone tablets and can be seen today. 

After Master Ci Xian passed away, his disciples had his body preserved but it later went lost over the years. 

His remains were re-discovered in 1970s inside a cave.

The temple decided to have the remains gilded last year. 

Master Ci Xian is expected to be moved from the Dinghui Temple to the Shendu Temple on Xiangtang Mountain, which is being constructed, according to Daily Mail.

N.H.Kh