The body of a highly respected Buddhist monk has been exhumed two months after his death, with followers astonished to find him appearing to smile.
Luang Phor Pian, a 92-year-old spiritual leader, passed away on November 16, 2017, in Bangkok, Thailand. Born in Cambodia, he spent most of his life as a revered teacher in Lopburi, central Thailand.
As part of a customary Buddhist ritual, his followers retrieved his body from the coffin to dress him in fresh robes. They were amazed to discover that the remains had hardly decomposed, with a visible smile on his face.
Images captured by onlookers show the monk being carried through the crowd, his serene expression intact. Local media reported that his condition was comparable to someone who had been deceased for no longer than 36 hours.
The phenomenon has been interpreted as evidence that Pian attained nirvana. His followers will continue prayers until a final farewell ceremony on the 100th day after his death.
