The reason the mummified remains of a monk found encased in a Buddha statue have received so much attention and even caused surprise may be due to a lack of understanding of Buddhism, according to a Chinese expert.

The remains, minus organs, were found in a statue dating to the 11th or 12th century.

The fact the organs were missing is nothing out of the ordinary, according to Master Zengqin, vice-chairman of the China Buddhism Association and abbot of Da Ci'en Temple in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.