Picture Courtesy: The Siberian Times

In a shocking discovery in Songino Khairkhan district of Ulan Bator a mummy of a buddhist monk was found  in the lotus position with his legs crossed and his arms folded. The monk was covered in cattle skin.

Mongolian scientists are examining the 200-year-old mummified Buddhist monk found in the lotus position who is belived to be still ‘alive’ by some and is considered is in a heightened meditative trance called ‘tukdam’.

According to an expert on Buddhism, the lotus position indicates the mummy is still in a heightened spiritual meditation called “tukdam” which is very close to Nirvana, which according to Buddhist beliefs, is the highest possible state achievable when the physical body dissolves.

Profesor Ganhugiyn Purevbata, the founder of the Mongolian Institute of Buddhist Art at Ulan Bator Buddhist University in Mongolia, has advanced the incredible theory the mummified monk is still alive – despite it looking very dead after two centuries spent wrapped in an animal hide.

“Lama is sitting in the lotus position vajra, the left hand is opened, and the right hand symbolises of the preaching Sutra.This is a sign that the Lama is not dead, but is in a very deep meditation according to the ancient tradition of Buddhist lamas.” he said.

The mummified monk was discovered inside a cave by a 45-year-old man who planned to sell it off.

Initial speculation say that the mummy could be a teacher of famous Lama Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov.

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