This Saturday, you will have a rare opportunity to witness some genuine Buddha relics right here in Houston. Texas Buddhist Association will have a Buddha relics resting ceremony on Sunday at American Bodhi Center. But on Saturday, there will be a public relics display at Jade Buddha Temple. You all are invited to attend this precious event.
When the Buddha lived in India in approximately 2,500 years ago, the people of that time had the opportunity to actually see and hear him, to be blessed by him in his human form. When Buddha left the earth by passing into nirvana (the enlightened state) during the body's death, he compassionately left relics so that today we still have the opportunity to receive the blessings
of the Buddha, directly.
These genuine relics are offered by Venerable Hung I, the Abbot of Jade Buddha Temple, to permanently rest at American Boddhi Center. In 1971 Venerable Hung I was visiting a temple in Taiwan when he met a traveling monk from India. Impressed by Venerable Hung I's big vow to spread Buddhism in the west, the traveling monk gave Venerable Hung I some of his shares of
genuine Buddha relics as a gift. Years later, Venerable Hung I brought these relics, together with his big vow, and arrived in Houston. Thirty years later, we are celebrating the permanent resting of these precious relics in Houston. This event symbolizes the spreading of Buddhism to the west, to Houston, and also the resting of enduring Buddhism teaching in American.
Relics are said to carry positive energy. Interestingly, they are themselves living entities; they can grow bigger, split into more, or shrink in size or even disappear. Viewing holy relics inspires us to develop our own hearts and minds, to develop loving-kindness and compassion and to understand spiritual teachings. Don't miss this rare event!
Date: Saturday, April 5th
Time:
10:30 – 11:00 welcoming the relics
11:00 – 11:20 offering to the Buddha
11:20 – 11:40 group picture with the relics
11:40 - public display of relics
Location: 6969 Westbranch Dr. Houston, TX 77072 http://www.jadebuddha.org/english
Vegetarian lunch will be provided. Event is free but donations are welcome.
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