INDY'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Relics of Buddha in Bloomington

The Chamtse Ling Interfaith Temple located on the grounds of the Tibetan Cultural Center will be hosting an extremely rare collection of more than 1,000 relics of the Buddha and other Buddhist Masters Aug. 27-29. The relics are extraordinary pearl-like deposits often found in the cremation ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters as a result of their inner purity.

The public is invited to view the relics at the temple (3655 Snoddy Road, Bloomington). There is no charge, but donations are welcomed. There is a $3 daily parking fee. The schedule is Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. viewing; 10-10:30 a.m. Buddhist prayers; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. a brief lecture on the relics; 4:30 p.m. (Sunday only) Closing Ceremony: Dedication and Prayers Note. Personal blessing ceremonies will be held for visitors each day.

When this world tour of relics is complete, they will be enshrined in a 500 foot statue of Maitreya, the future historical Buddha. This statue will be constructed in Kushinagar, UP, India. For further information: www.maitreyaproject.org or www.tibetancc.com.