Although there is no physical evidence of a ‘Cross’ as such, there are a number of historical texts pertaining to it. In one such Chinese language text – the object concerned is referred to as the ‘Red Iron Cross Stand’ (赤铁十字架 – Chi Tie Shi Zi Jia) – as this seems to be its proper and original designation. Indeed, a more refined date relating to this unearthed (large) Iron ‘Cross’ is that of the fourth (ruling) ‘Era’ ascribed to the reign of Emperor Sun Wu – namely that of ‘赤乌’ or ‘Chi Wu’ – (238-250 CE). Therefore, the ‘Luling Iron Cross’, or the ‘Red Iron Cross Stand’ is said to have entered China at some point within these emphasised 12-years. It would seem that this ‘Cross’ was placed atop a burial mound at Luling – within which it eventually sank. Around 1,200 years later, for reasons that are not entirely clear, this burial mound was excavated – and this ‘Cross’ was rediscovered.
SANGHA KOMMUNE (SSR) 