“These are considered quite holy objects, some are from the body of the Buddha,” says Heather McDougall, a Victoria Buddhist Dharma Society member and tour organizer.

Many people claim they’ve experienced healing and inspiration after being blessed with these objects, she says.

Money raised from the exhibition goes to the Maitreya Project in Uttar Pradesh, India. The Maitreya Project is building a 50-storey Buddha designed to last 1,000 years. Eventually the relics now in Victoria will be placed inside the massive statue.

The Heart Shrine Relic Tour will be at the Church of Truth, 111 Superior Street until August 25.