contact us  

Sign-up!
Monthly eNews
& eTeaching



 

SRAVASTI ABBEY CO-SPONSORS THE MAITREYA HEART SHRINE RELIC TOUR

Sravasti Abbey and the Couer d' Alene Dharma Friends recently co-sponsored the Maitreya Heart Shrine Relic Tour in Spokane. The Unity Church on the South Hill in Spokane enthusiastically opened its doors and its heart for the tour. They provided not only the space but also a large group of volunteers to help coordinate and support the tour.

Over 1000 people came through the shrine room over a two day period. The event drew people from various spiritual traditions, and many were deeply moved by the experience including the Abbey residents and the local Dharma community.


The afternoon before the relic tour opens, the cases to hold the precious relics are placed around the Maitreya statue.


Dwight, one of the local volunteers helps put the finishing touches on the parasol.

Exiquio one of the Abbey residents, offers the baby Buddha a bath, one of the first offerings that can be made to the Buddha in the relic room.

Kevin takes a closer look into one of the relic cases as he circumambulates around the Maitreya statue.


Ananda, the Buddha's assistant for many years holds a special place in the heart of Sravasti Abbey. Due to his perseverance the Buddha agreed to ordain the first women monastics.


The relics of Sariputra, one of the Buddha's main disciples are in one of the first display cases. These relics are 2500 years old.


The children who attend the Unity Church (where the relics are displayed) visit after Sunday school.

Kyler is the first of the children to step forward to receive a blessing with the Buddha's relics. Here he waits for Venerable Semkye to place the stupa on his head. His friends soon followed him and a number of them return afterwards with their parents for another blessing.


Venerable Saldon and Tarpa from the Abbey bless the children two by two.


A group of Thai Forest monks from Richland, Washington came with their supporters to view the relics. Here their beautiful chanting fills the room and hearts of all of us gathered.


The monks give the Buddha a bath as they begin their circumambulation. The relic tour custodians invite them to bless attendees with the Buddha's relics later in the evening.


On Sunday afternoon Venerable Chodron sits in the Church's lovely garden as local folks and church attendees return with their pets for blessings.


Many of the pets are a little shy about having a stupa placed on their heads. This little puppy gets some reassurance and some mantra from Venerable.


Mary, one of the local volunteers, fosters many feral cats. Here Venerable places the stupa on top of the photos to bless the cats from afar.


Jennifer, recently diagnosed with cancer, gets a blessing after her puppy receives one.


This very shy little girl took a bit of time to come forward but finally sits very still and quiet as the stupa is placed on her head.

 
[ Home ][ Vision ][ Plans ][ Abbey Site ][ Founder ][ News ][ Get Involved ][ Donate ][ Dharma ][ FAQ ][ Monastic Life ]
[ Calendar ][ Visiting ][ Links ][ Boards ] [ What's New ] [ Photo Gallery ][ Reflections ]
All website content © Copyright 2002 - 2008 Sravasti Abbey - No duplication without permission