By Jon Lewis
MOUNT SHASTA – Relics of the historical Buddha, his closest disciples and other Buddhist spiritual masters will be on display this weekend at Tara’s Refuge, a Tibetan Buddhist temple in Mount Shasta.
The relics, some dating back more than 2,500 years, and their blessing powers, are being made available for public viewing as part of the Maitreya Project, according to John Cashman, the caretaker at Tara’s Refuge.
The relics will be on display from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the refuge, 133 Madison Drive. The display is free and Buddhists and non-Buddhists are encouraged to view the relics.
“It’s a very rare event. Even in the East, this doesn’t happen,” Cashman said, noting that relics — described as pearl-like deposits which have been found in the cremation ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters — are usually sequestered in temples and seldom made available for viewing.
According to information offered at www.maitreyaproject.org, Buddhists believe these relics are formed as a result of the spiritual realizations of compassion and wisdom. There are also Buddhist artifacts and a few tooth and bone relics in the collection.
Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike visit the exhibit for spiritual blessings. The relics provide an opportunity to make a personal spiritual connection with the some to the greatest Buddhist masters of all time.
Many visitors have reported experiences of inspiration and healing while viewing the relics.
Cashman said to take in the relics in a quiet, meditative atmosphere is a way of reinforcing peace “and Buddha was the archetypal figure of peacefulness.”
The relics tour is in support of the Maitreya Project, which will include a 500-foot Maitreya Buddha statue in Bodghaya, India. Cashman said the Maitreya Buddha is believed to be the next Buddha who will appear in the future “and start a whole new cycle of teaching.”
According to the Web site, the relic collection will be permanently housed in the Heart Shrine of the Maitreya Buddha. “The Maitreya Project is based on the premise that loving-kindness is the main cause of peace and that inner peace and outer peace share a cause and effect relationship. The statue will benefit the entire world by reminding everyone of the need for loving-kindness and peace: inner peace as well as peace within the family, the community and the world. Additionally, the Project will benefit the people of India through its economic benefits and social programs.”
For more information, call (530) 926-5196.
