The initiators of the project rely on Buddhists’ charitable donations to fund the building of the 152 meter tall statue (not including the height of the pedestal). The bronze monument’s preliminary estimated cost is around $250 million.

The traveling exhibition features the 1,000-year-old remains of cremated great Buddhist masters that look similar to fine crystal beads or pearls. Followers of the ancient religion say that those who view the sacred remains will be blessed and that the minds of those who touch them with their head will be clarified.

The relics are believed bring an atmosphere of love and kindness, one in which wars will stop, illnesses will disappear, the world will be filled with tolerance and love and Maitreya will come on Earth.

In order to bless as many people as possible, since 2001 Buddhist monks have sent the relics around the world. So far the unusual remains of great Buddhist masters have been to 100 locations in the US, Canada, Singapore, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand and Europe. In 2007 they were displayed in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and in 2008 in Kalmykia in southern Russia.

The exhibition is on view at the Tyva National Museum in Kyzyl from August 8 to August 16.