The bone relic in the shape of the Buddha was found among the ashes in the cremation stupa of the 16th Gyalwang karmapa , Rangjung Rigpe dorjee .
Since the time of the Buddha's own mahaparinirvana , other great masters has tempered their final teachings on impermance by bestowing on disciples a parting gift of relics . when Buddha shakyamuni parted from his disciples , there was no expectation dat he would return in a new physical form dat dey could recognise and reconnect with . Instead he left behind da relics dat serves as da tangible basis for disciples to continue cultivating da relationships with him even after his passing .
When the first karmapa , Dusum Khenpa alighted upon the notion of helping his disciples identify him in his next incarnation , da temporary apperance of seperation of lama and disciples was shown as truely illusory . As the karmapa relinquishes one physical form to take up another , his relics felt da apparent interruption in da time when disciples could experience da physical presence of the lama , by providing a lasting reminder of just how extraordinary being he is .
In the case of the 16th Gyalwang karmapa , his relics serve to demonstrate his inner nature - a veritable Buddha to the bone ....