The public is invited to A Rain of Blessings—a display of rare, 2,500-year-old Buddhist relics at Thekchen Choling Syracuse, Nov. 1-3.
The event features more than two-dozen pearl-like relics from the cremated remains of the Buddha and his 16 disciples. While the objects defy scientific explanation, they are said to possess strong healing powers and ward off evil.
”They’re physical manifestations of holy beings,” explains Thekchen Choling President Babette Teich-Visco. “Just being in the presence of a relic can make you feel calm, peaceful, meditative and inspired.”
Rarely seen in its entirety, the collection has been gifted to Thekchen Choling by its Singaporean-based founder and spiritual director, Singha Namdrol Rinpoche (shown below) over the past decade. The display coincides with his visit to Syracuse from Oct. 23-Nov. 26 and is part of the temple’s 10th anniversary celebrations.
A Rain of Blessings takes place in the temple’s main building at 109 East Ave. in Minoa, New York. Hours are as follows:
- Friday, Nov. 1: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 2: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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- Beginner meditation class in Medicine Buddha Hall (1:30 p.m.)
- Guru Puja in Medicine Buddha Hall (3 p.m.)
- Sunday, Nov. 3: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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- Temple circumambulation with relics (1 p.m.)
- Pet blessing in Medicine Buddha Hall (2 p.m.)
A Rain of Blessings is free and open to the public, but donations supporting Thekchen Choling are always appreciated. A guide book to the display is available for $15.
When not sitting and meditating among the relics, you’re invited to participate in a beginner meditation class, a Guru Puja, a Heart Sutra copying practice or a baby Buddha bathing ritual.
