A collection of sacred relics of the historical Buddha and other Buddhist masters will be in Minnesota at the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Tantric Buddhist Monastery in Northeast Minneapolis this weekend.

Organizers of the event say it's a rare opportunity to view the relics, which were found among the cremation ashes of Buddhist masters and saved for centuries in Tibet, India and other holy sites — kept safe by religious teachers and noble families.

It's highly unusual to see them collected together for public display. The relics are various types; some resemble pearl-like crystals, others are fragmentary.

Some people report profound experiences of inspiration, deep peace, and well-being (healing) when in the presence of the relics. Buddhists believe relics embody the master's spiritual qualities of compassion and wisdom and are deliberately produced by the master at his death.

To be in the presence of a relic is traditionally considered the same as being in the personal presence, energetically, of that Spiritual Master.

The relics are visible inside display cases. Visitors may participate in a blessing ceremony where the relics of the Buddha are placed on the crown of the one's head as a personal blessing. People may also bring their animals for this blessing outdoors on Sunday only (3 p.m.), weather permitting.

The relics will be on view Sept. 16-18 at the monastery, 2601 Taylor Street NE. For more information, visit www.maitreyaproject.org