Maitreya Project Relic Tour
Blessings of the Buddhas
“From loving-kindness, then you can achieve freedom”
Lama Zopa Rinpoche, Spiritual Director, Maitreya Project
What is the Maitreya Project Heart Shrine Relic Tour? These relics will be permanently enshrined inside the heart of a magnificent Maitreya Buddha statue being built in Kushinagar, India due for completion in the near future. When we
think of Relics we tend to think of something dead, inanimate and maybe not very appealing, such as clothing, bones or tooth fragments. That is not what these Relics are. When a spiritual master is cremated, beautiful, pearl-like crystals are found among their ashes. These Ringsel are special because they hold the essence of the qualities of the spiritual master. His inner purity appears as in the form of relics. True spiritual teachers do not generally discuss their own attainments. The relics are physical evidence that the teacher attained qualities of compassion and wisdom before death. What are the benefits of seeing Relics? The relics provide a unique opportunity to make a personal spiritual connection with enlightened beings. These Masters deliberately chose to leave Relics behind so that we can create the causes for our own happiness. Again and again, people have connected directly with the powerful loving energy emanating from the relics. Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike tell us that they feel inspired, healed and at peace simply by being in the presence of the relics. Each visitor touches the divine within them. Whose Relics are in the collection? Most of Relics are of the historical Shakyamuni Buddha who was born in 563 BCE. There are also Relics of the Kasyapa Buddha who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha. The complete collection is catalogued in our souvenir Relic Tour brochure available by donation. How can I pay respects to the Relics? The traditional approach is to circumambulate, prostrate and make offerings. But this is not mandatory. The relics are available to everyone regardless of spiritual or religious background. There are no protocols or strict formalities. We simply ask that people be respectful and mindful. We invite you to experience the Relics in whichever way is appropriate for you. Often people are moved to pray for world peace and for love to arise in hearts around the world. How many Relic Shows have taken place? Since the Tour began in March 2001 there have been more than 100 exhibitions throughout USA, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Russia and Europe. We constantly receive messages of support and invitations to display the Relics. The Relics have even been displayed inside prisons and in a hospital and in schools. What is the Maitreya Project? This historic collection of more than 1,000 Relics will be enshrined in the heart of a statue of Maitreya Buddha being built in Kushinagar, India. The purpose of the Maitreya Project is to bring as much benefit to as many people as possible for as long as possible. This is achieved through the practice of loving-kindness towards oneself and others. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama explains:-
“When we have inner peace, we can be at peace with those around us. When our community is in a state of peace, it can share that peace with neighbouring communities and so on. When we feel love and kindness towards others it not only makes other feel loved and cared for but also helps us to develop inner happiness and peace.”
“This Project is really wonderful and is the result of great courage and determination, and from the depth of my heart I appreciate and applaud this wonderful project and all those people connected with this project—the benefactors and all the others who have contributed and are contributing to it. You should realize that this is a very holy and sacred Project”. Who is Maitreya Buddha? Maitreya is known as the Buddha of loving-kindness. He will appear in this world after the time of Shakyamuni Buddha and teach the dharma. Where can I find out more about the Relics and Maitreya Project? Visit www.maitreyaproject.org or email [email protected]
Visit www.maitreyaproject.org or emai [email protected]
