Holy Relics
Discover one of the largest collections of sacred Buddhist relics, cherished by different traditions and valued for centuries.
About the Holy Relics
The Great Stupa has one of the largest collections of Buddhist relics in the world. The holy relics include those of Shakyamuni Buddha, Kasyapa Buddha, disciples of the Buddha, the 16 Arhants and several modern day masters.
The relics have been offered from many Buddhist traditions including Chinese, Tibetan, Thai, Burmese and Mongolian.
When the stupa is complete it will house the sacred Buddhist relics in the Bumpa which is situated level 6. Until construction of level 6 is complete we display a selection of holy relics inside The Great Stupa on ground level.
We have been touring the holy relics for over ten years and in that time millions of people have viewed the relics.
What visitors have said about the relics
Frequently
asked questions
What are the relics?
When a great spiritual master’s body is cremated after their death, beautiful pearly or crystal objects are often found in their ashes (called ringsel in Tibetan). These relics are reputed to hold the essence of inner purity of the holy person.
What is the benefit of visiting the holy relics?
The relics provide Buddhists with an opportunity to make a personal spiritual connection with an enlightened being. Visitors to the exhibition have reported connecting directly with the powerful loving energy emanating from the relics. Buddhists and non-Buddhists have reported feeling inspired, healed and at peace in their presence.
Why are the relics revered?
It is said that the merits are the same whether you directly made an offering to the Buddha or to the relics of the Buddha. So when you are prostrating or making offerings to the relics see them as the same as the holy beings.
In the Lion’s Roar of Maitreya Sutra the Buddha says, “Whether you make offerings to me now or in the future you make offerings to my relics, the merit will be the same, the ripened result will be the same.”
Even though we have not had the merit of meeting the Buddha we are extremely fortunate to have met the relics and the teachings of the Buddha. So even though the Buddha does not manifest to us now in his common appearance, we still have his relics and we can still attain enlightenment.
How do I pay respect 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 strict formalities. Simply be respectful and mindful and experience the relics in whatever way is appropriate for you.
Also feel free to prostrate and circumambulate, if you wish. For the benefit of sentient beings the Buddhas have generated Bodhicitta; for the benefit of sentient beings the Buddhas have trained in the path; for the benefit of sentient beings the Buddhas have manifested complete enlightenment.
For these reasons the Buddhas and their relics are very sacred. They are endowed with the power of the object. With this in mind we will gain a very powerful blessing. Even when we are not mindful of the blessings of the Buddhas we will still benefit through the power of the object. By understanding this reasoning we can quickly attain the state of enlightenment. Even if your understanding is little, your visit to the relics will become a cause for enlightenment. And it’s good exercise too!
Where will the relics go eventually?
The relics will be housed will be displayed behind glass walls in the “Bumpa” which is on level 6 of the Great Stupa.
Make the most
of your visit
How to view the relics if you are sick
It is very useful for someone who is suffering sickness or illness to stand in front of the relics. Visualise that surrounding you are all sentient beings especially those suffering sickness like yourself.
Then see white light coming to the crown of your head (and all other beings) and see the illness or whatever it is that makes you unhealthy leave your body in the form of pus and blood from the soles of your feet.
How to view the relics to purify negativities
In the same way we can purify our negativities and those of all sentient beings by visualising white light entering our crowns.
See any obscurations and negative actions of body, speech and mind leaving through the pores of our body in the form of dark smoke or water that has been polluted by coal.
How to view the relics when you are unhappy
At times when we are unhappy, for example when we are in conflict with family and friends, it is very good to circumambulate the relics.
While you circumambulate you need to visualise your unhappiness in the form of pests like spiders, scorpions, frogs and snakes being expelled from your body. Also pray that all sentient beings who are unhappy are blessed and purified by your actions.
Rather than leaning on alcohol and drugs and saying “poor me”, this meditation takes the focus off you and your problems and allows you to see your suffering as a spur to spiritual practice.
How to view the relics if you have an addiction
At times when you feel you really need alcohol or drugs of addiction, instead of going to the pub we should go to the relics. Admit you have a problem and rely on the Buddha by remembering his qualities and aspiring to generate his qualities.
As you circumambulate the relics visualise receiving the white nectar light emanating from the relics and see snakes, scorpions, slugs, spiders (as the symbols of addiction) being eliminated from your body and the bodies of all sentient beings.
Then feel convinced that you have purified yourself. Train the mind to develop a strong habit to overcome addiction so that eventually even the smell of alcohol will be repulsive to you.
Poem by Vietnamese Master
Kim Tam Thich Hanh Niem
Viewing the holy relics of the Buddha
I pay homage to the Supreme Enlightened One who,
by cherishing all living beings, appeared in this world
as a Prince and then renounced his throne.
He sought the true way of life everywhere and
although he endured countless obstacles and suffering
his mind remained resolute.
For six years he lived in a dangerous cave, deep in the highest mountains
where he practiced self-mortification, just as others have done in the past and will do in the future.
When completing his practice he swept away all mental defilements
and when seeing the great star he attained the highest enlightenment of Buddhahood.
For fifty years he delivered the teachings and countless living beings
attained enlightenment and freedom from suffering.
Countless people travelled across the suffering ocean to the peaceful world.
When seeing that his words were complete
and his teachings had spread across the world
he entered the Sa-la forest and left his relics for future generations.
If one has the good fortune to see his relics and pay homage to them
you will receive the same good opportunity as being born in the time of the Buddha.
Today we have the most fortunate opportunity that the holy relics of the Buddha
have been brought to Australia so that everyone can view and venerate them.
We prostrate before the Enlightened One and pray that with this merit we advanced on the Buddha’s path.
Soon we will go back to our native land and escape from the endless lives
of floating in the vast sea of birth and rebirth (Samsara).
Contact us
- +61 3 5446 7568
- info@stupa.org.au
-
25 Sandhurst Town Road,
Myers Flat (Bendigo)
VIC 3556
Opening hours
- The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion
Weekdays 9 am – 5 pm
Weekends & Public Holidays
10:30 am – 5 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
- StupaView Cafe
Weekdays 9 am – 3 pm
Weekends & Public Holidays
10:30 am – 3 pm
Christmas Day CLOSED
Explore the Great Stupa
About Us
The Great Stupa
Holy Relics
Jade Buddha
Memorials
Library & Media
Great Stupa Library
Recommended Teachings
Plan your visit
Tours
Getting Here
Accomodation
StupaView Cafe
Events & programs
Upcoming Events
Annual Events
Support our vision
Donate
Sponsorships
Crowdfunding
Offerings
Legacy Gifts
Shop online
Jade Gifts
Local Produce
Spiritual Items
Jewellery
Home & Decor
Toys & Games
© The Great Stupa of Universal Compassion Ltd. 2025
Proudly affiliated with FPMT, Atisha Centre, and Thubten Shedrup Ling Monastery.
Legal
Site design by Tara Sleeman