By John J. Shaughnessy
Larry Gerstein can’t hide his excitement about a rare collection of Buddha relics that will be on display today and Sunday at the Tibetan Cultural Center in Bloomington.
“This particular group of relics is quite unusual since they reflect on the life of one of the world’s greatest and most compassionate spiritual leaders,” says Gerstein, the president of the International Tibet Independence Movement, which is headquartered in Fishers.
The relics of Buddha and other Buddhist masters are also unusual because they are pearl-like deposits, according to a spokesperson at the Tibetan Cultural Center.
“The pearls are found in the cremation ashes of Buddhist teachers,” Kathleen Connors says. “It’s quite rare in being available to the public. This is the Buddhist version of relics that are revered by people of other faiths.”
The collection of more than 1,000 relics will be displayed in the Chamtse Ling Interfaith Temple, which the Dalai Lama consecrated last September.
The relics can be viewed today and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no charge for seeing the relics, but there is a $3 parking fee at the center.
Conners says the Bloomington stop for the worldwide tour of the relics offers Indiana residents an opportunity to consider a different culture and a different faith.
“From a Buddhist standpoint, it’s considered very blessed, very lucky, to view these relics,” she says. “Some people say they get different feelings of peace from viewing the objects. They’re considered to be a healing influence.”
The experience can be life-changing, too, Gerstein says.
“The bottom line is that to develop into a wiser, more loving and compassionate person takes a lot of training for most of us,” he says. “These relics remind us of this potential.”
For more information, contact the Tibet Cultural Center at (812) 334-7046.
