Date: February 17, 2026 - February 22, 2026
Location: Dharma Treasury Temple, San Francisco, CA
Location: Wei Mountain Temple, Rosemead, CA
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For centuries, Buddhists in Asia have revered the relics of the Buddha: small, luminous crystals known as shariras. These gem-like formations appeared among the ashes after the Buddha’s cremation and are believed to arise from his unsurpassed purity and wisdom. Shariras vary in color and size and are cherished as powerful reminders of the pinnacle of enlightenment achieved by the Buddha. They are mainly unknown in the West, largely because they have been safeguarded in temples overseas for more than two millennia.
The history of Buddhist relics dates back to Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism, who lived over 2,500 years ago. According to Buddhist teachings, thousands of relics were found in his ashes. Initially divided among eight kingdoms, they were later gathered by King Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.E. and enshrined throughout his empire. Since then, relics of the Buddha and his disciples have been preserved and worshiped across Asia for thousands of years.
For centuries, Buddhists in Asia have revered the relics of the Buddha: small, luminous crystals known as shariras. These gem-like formations appeared among the ashes after the Buddha’s cremation and are believed to arise from his unsurpassed purity and wisdom. Shariras vary in color and size and are cherished as powerful reminders of the pinnacle of enlightenment achieved by the Buddha. They are mainly unknown in the West, largely because they have been safeguarded in temples overseas for more than two millennia.
The history of Buddhist relics dates back to Shakyamuni Buddha, the historical founder of Buddhism, who lived over 2,500 years ago. According to Buddhist teachings, thousands of relics were found in his ashes. Initially divided among eight kingdoms, they were later gathered by King Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C.E. and enshrined throughout his empire. Since then, relics of the Buddha and his disciples have been preserved and worshiped across Asia for thousands of years.
About the Collection
The 10,000 Buddha Relics Collection, donated to Bodhi Light International (BLI) in 2013, is believed to be the largest collection of Buddha relics in the West. Most of the relics are those of Shakyamuni Buddha, with additional relics from some of his closest disciples and members of his family.
Since its first exhibition in March 2013 at Bodhi Light International, thousands of visitors have viewed the relics. The exhibit has been covered by the LA Times, Associated Press, Reuters, numerous local TV news stations, and featured in an episode of The UnXplained on the History Channel and Netflix.
A Living, Growing Collection
This collection has expanded significantly since it was first donated. Throughout Buddhist history, there are instances in which relics increase in number, by themselves, although the exact conditions for this phenomenon are not known. The collection has also grown through donations from Buddhist disciples and the monastic community, who entrust relics to BLI.
Because of this ongoing growth, BLI, located at Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, CA, has shared portions of the collection with its affiliated temples: Dharma Treasury Temple in San Francisco, CA, and Jewel Mountain Temple in South Korea.
Since its first exhibition in March 2013 at Bodhi Light International, thousands of visitors have viewed the relics. The exhibit has been covered by the LA Times, Associated Press, Reuters, numerous local TV news stations, and featured in an episode of The UnXplained on the History Channel and Netflix.
A Living, Growing Collection
This collection has expanded significantly since it was first donated. Throughout Buddhist history, there are instances in which relics increase in number, by themselves, although the exact conditions for this phenomenon are not known. The collection has also grown through donations from Buddhist disciples and the monastic community, who entrust relics to BLI.
Because of this ongoing growth, BLI, located at Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, CA, has shared portions of the collection with its affiliated temples: Dharma Treasury Temple in San Francisco, CA, and Jewel Mountain Temple in South Korea.
Origins of the Collection
The first relics were donated by two Vietnamese Buddhist disciples — respected collectors whose relics originally came from temples in Myanmar and Thailand. One of the donors was later ordained and years later, became Master XianChi under the guidance of Master YongHua, Founder of Bodhi Light International.
Benefits/Responses
As Master YongHua explains, “Being in the presence of the Buddha’s sharira is no different from being in the presence of the Buddha himself.” Visitors often describe feelings of peace, happiness, clarity of mind, and a push forward toward spiritual growth.
Since the relics arrived, many practitioners at our temples have experienced a deepening of their meditation practice and a more serene environment. During BLI’s recent month-long meditation retreat, even beginners reported unusually calm and focused states. Shariras are also traditionally associated with harmony, protection, and prosperity, and many devotees have shared personal stories of healing and transformation.
Since the relics arrived, many practitioners at our temples have experienced a deepening of their meditation practice and a more serene environment. During BLI’s recent month-long meditation retreat, even beginners reported unusually calm and focused states. Shariras are also traditionally associated with harmony, protection, and prosperity, and many devotees have shared personal stories of healing and transformation.
