Previously in the Lama Library
February 16 - 18, 2008
“The very name ‘Maitreya’ means loving-kindness – in today's world, we really need
loving-kindness... This Project is really wonderful and is the result of great courage
and determination, and from the depths of my heart I appreciate and
applaud this wonderful project.”
– His Holiness the Dalai Lama
A precious collection of sacred relics of the Buddha and many other Buddhist
masters is currently touring the world.
This is a rare opportunity to view these relics, which were found among the
cremation ashes of Buddhist masters. They resemble beautiful pearl-like crystals.
Buddhists believe the relics embody the master’s spiritual qualities of compassion
and wisdom and have been deliberately produced by the master so that all may
share in their blessing.
Visitors often report experiences of inspiration and healing when in the presence of
the relics. While some are inspired to pray for world peace and to develop their
inner wisdom, others are overcome by emotion as the powerful effects of the relics
open their hearts to compassion and loving-kindness.
The relics are clearly visible inside display cases that encircle a life-size, golden
statue of the Maitreya Buddha. Throughout the events there are opportunities for
visitors to participate in Blessing Ceremonies, during which the relics of the Buddha
are gently placed on the crown of the visitor’s head as a special blessing.
According to Buddhist scriptures Maitreya will be the next Buddha to teach the path
of loving-kindness to the world. At the conclusion of the Maitreya Project Heart
Shrine Relic Tour, the relics will be enshrined in a 500-ft/152-m bronze statue of
Maitreya Buddha which is being built in Kushinagar, northern India.