အသုံးပြုသူ:2001:44C8:4702:D9F9:815D:EC77:67F7:1B1F/sandbox
The relics' supernatural properties requiring scientific investigation.
Since childhood, I've possessed relics of the Venerable Ashin Sivali. A dream led me to a Shan State monastery where, guided by the surprised abbot, I discovered relics behind a standing Buddha statue, including those of Ashin Sivali. I cleaned the relics, receiving permission to take one and some of the cleaning water. Years later, I found seven more relics in the box and many more in the water, a phenomenon I attribute to the relics' supernatural properties requiring scientific investigation.
The Venerable Ashin Sivali was a renowned arahant during the time of the Buddha Gotama, revered for his exceptional merit in attracting material blessings and prosperity. He was one of the most eminent disciples and was acknowledged as foremost (etadagga) among those who received gifts and offerings. Sivali's father was Prince Mahali, and his mother was Suppavasa, a princess of the Koliya kingdom.
When Princess Suppavasa was pregnant with Sivali, her labor was unusually prolonged, lasting seven years and seven days. Despite this, she did not give birth, and her suffering grew increasingly intense. Out of devotion, she wished to pay homage to the Buddha and sought blessings. Her husband appealed to the Buddha, who, upon hearing of the situation, assured them, "Suppavasa is well, free from illness and suffering, and she will give birth to a healthy son." As soon as these words were uttered, Suppavasa gave birth to a beautiful baby boy effortlessly. Filled with gratitude, they named the child Sivali, meaning "One Who Brings Blessings."
Miraculously, Sivali grew rapidly, reaching the size and maturity of a seven-year-old boy shortly after his birth. The day following his birth, the Buddha and five hundred monks were invited to the royal palace for a grand meal offering. After the meal, the Buddha instructed the Venerable Sariputta to give a sermon of appreciation, during which Sivali's great past merits and his auspicious birth were highlighted. Inspired, Sivali's parents sought his ordination, and with their consent, Sivali was ordained as a novice monk under the guidance of Sariputta.
As Sariputta shaved Sivali's head, he imparted teachings on meditation, which Sivali absorbed deeply. By the time the ordination ceremony was complete, Sivali had eradicated all defilements and attained arahantship.
From the day of his ordination, offerings of alms, robes, and other requisites poured in abundantly. Sivali's extraordinary merit ensured that not only he but also the entire Sangha accompanying him always had ample provisions. When he turned twenty, Sivali received full ordination as a bhikkhu, and his reputation for attracting material blessings grew even further.
One significant incident showcasing his merit occurred when the Buddha, accompanied by five hundred monks, undertook a journey through a desolate forest to reach a monastery. Ananda, concerned about the scarcity of food along the way, expressed his worry to the Buddha. The Buddha reassured him, saying, "Ananda, do not worry. Is Sivali not among us? If Sivali is present, there is no need for concern." True to the Buddha's words, devas and other beings along the journey provided abundant offerings to the monks. Sivali’s presence ensured that the Sangha always had more than enough provisions, even in the remotest locations.
The Buddha declared Sivali as foremost among monks who received offerings, stating, "Among my disciples who are recipients of offerings, Sivali is the most eminent."
Sivali's extraordinary merit stemmed from a past life during the time of Padumuttara Buddha. As a young boy, he had heard the Buddha declare a monk as foremost among those who received offerings and aspired to achieve the same status. To fulfill this aspiration, he invited the Buddha and five hundred monks to his home for seven consecutive days, offering lavish meals and robes. He made a firm wish that in a future life, he would attain the same recognition. His deeds bore fruit, and he was born in successive lives of wealth and privilege, culminating in his final life as an arahant.
Sivali’s prolonged stay in his mother’s womb and his exceptional blessings were also linked to another past life. During a lifetime as a prince, Sivali had besieged a city for seven years and seven days, cutting off food supplies to force its surrender. This karmic action resulted in his mother’s seven-year labor. However, his immense merit in making offerings ensured his exceptional prosperity in later lives.
Today, devotees who wish for prosperity often recite the Sivali Gatha:
"Labhimāna muttamā therā,
Sivali iti vissuto;
So araho pacchayādīnaṁ,
Sadā sotthiṁ karotu me."
They also revere images or relics of Venerable Sivali, believing that such acts bring blessings, prosperity, and good fortune.
Sao Dhammasami