The Buddha’s True Face is written by S. Dhammika. This book provides information about Dhammadayada Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya the Buddha says: “Monks, be heirs of my Dhamma, not heirs of material things.” Obviously the Buddha wanted his disciples to give more attention to his liberating teaching than to things like his bodily remains or personal possessions. Nonetheless, after his Parinirvana his disciples felt deeply his absence and longed for some form of closeness to their beloved teacher. In time, this led to the cult of relics. It also led to a great interest in what the Buddha looked like. There are many references in the Tipitaka to the Buddha’s personal appearance.
