Heart Relics Tour

Yesterday I went to the Unity Church in Spokane where the Heart Relics Tour has set up a display of relics of the Buddha Shakyamuni and other spiritual masters such as Tilopa, Milarepa, Atisha, and some of the more recently deceased lamas of Tibetan Buddhism. The tour's presence in Spokane was sponsored by Sravasti Abbey in Newport, WA, an hour's drive from Spokane. I arrived in time for a talk on buddhist practice by Lama Inga of Padma Ling buddhist center here in Spokane. I had intended to go to a talk in the morning by Thubten Chodron, abbess of the Sravasti Abbey, but avoided getting up in time to attended. I am impressed that this monastic and teaching center offers teachings free of charge; its ordained monastics live by donations only. They don't purchase their food at grocery stores. I think they grow some of their food, and accept donations of food from friends of the abbey and lay practitioners. I walked through the relic room in which silence was maintained and looked at each labeled relic. I have not quite assimilated the experience; I don't know whether I believe in the holiness or spiritual powers of relics. So, I won't comment on that. But, it was inspiring for me to be there among people who have dedicated their lives to spiritual practice and living by the buddhist precepts.