Source: North County Times

http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2005/02/06/special_reports/religion/21_25_052_5_05.txt

On February 5, 2005 the North County Times reported, "The 2,500-year-old cremated remains of 'The Englightened One' and other Buddhist holy men were to go on display at a Santa Monica church Saturday. Among the 30 relics to be displayed at Santa Monica's First Presbyterian Church are those of Siddhartha Guatama, or Shakyamuni Buddha, who is known as 'The Enlightened One.' The exhibit is free. Devotees of Buddhism believe being in the presence of the remains is to be with the masters and say the pearl-like remains multiply and change colors, signs that those who have prayed near and honored the relics have faith, the Los Angeles Times reported. 'When you are actually in the presence of the relics yourself, the relic contains the spiritual realizations of love and compassion of that teacher. They have a positive energy in them,' Carmen Straight, relic custodian and devotee from Canada, told The Times. The relics -- including those of the Buddha's disciples, Maudgalyayana, Ananda and Sariputra -- were hidden for thousands of years were in Buddhist temples, shrines and statues in Asia."