Buddhist Relics Inspire Belief at California Temple

The Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead displays what it calls the '10,000 Buddha Relics' every Lunar New Year.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Every Lunar New Year, the Wei Mountain Temple in Rosemead, California, publicly displays what it calls the '10,000 Buddha Relics' - a collection of teeth, finger bones, and shariras (pearl-like objects) believed to have belonged to the Buddha and his disciples. The relics are seen by Buddhists as living, active sources of blessings imbued with supernatural qualities, though their authenticity is rarely questioned by spiritual leaders.

Why it matters

Belief in Buddhist relics is a matter of deep faith, connecting followers to the Buddha himself. While some Buddhist teachers emphasize the importance of the Buddha's teachings over relics, the Wei Mountain Temple's display highlights how relics continue to inspire devotion and a sense of connection to the spiritual realm.

The details

The Wei Mountain Temple's collection prominently features bones and teeth believed to have come from the bodies of the Buddha, his relatives, and disciples. The temple's founder, Master YongHua, says the relics have 'grown' over the years and can even multiply, produce 'baby shariras,' and levitate. While there have been reports of fake relics flooding markets, the temple's authenticity is not questioned.

  • The Wei Mountain Temple has displayed the '10,000 Buddha Relics' publicly every Lunar New Year for the past 14 years.
  • The temple will enshrine the ashes of the late Venerable Master Hsing Yun, which contain relics, during a ceremony on March 21.

The players

Wei Mountain Temple

A Buddhist temple in Rosemead, California that publicly displays what it calls the '10,000 Buddha Relics' every Lunar New Year.

Master YongHua

The founder of the Wei Mountain Temple who says he has witnessed the relics multiplying, moving on their own, and levitating.

Venerable Master Hsing Yun

The founder of the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order, who emphasized Humanistic Buddhism and instructed his followers not to solely focus on relics.

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What they’re saying

“To be able to see the Buddha, to get close to him and feel the energy — it's very special for a Buddhist.”

— Katherine Nguyen

“I have seen them multiply with my own eyes. They move on their own, they levitate. … I've seen people get cured of various ailments just by being in their presence.”

— Master YongHua, Founder, Wei Mountain Temple

“Relics are the most precious, most sacred, most powerful holy objects in our understanding.”

— Geshe Tenzin Zopa, Tibetan monk and educator

What’s next

The Wei Mountain Temple will enshrine the ashes of the late Venerable Master Hsing Yun, which contain relics, during a ceremony on March 21.

The takeaway

While some Buddhist teachers emphasize the importance of the Buddha's teachings over relics, the display of Buddhist relics at the Wei Mountain Temple highlights the deep spiritual significance they hold for many followers, connecting them to the Buddha and inspiring faith.