The world today is beset by conflicts and violence. It can be argued that nothing is more urgent in this extraordinary time than to engender the values of peace and tolerance. In recognition of the importance of bridging diverse cultures and fostering compassion in our neighbors, a Buddhist relic exhibition will be shown at Stony Brook University Oct 28th - 30th, 2004.
This extremely rare and precious collection of sacred Buddhist relics is currently being displayed here on Long Island as part of a larger world tour. The relics are usually enshrined in temples and are rarely made available for public viewing, much less taken outside their resident countries. This special collection includes relics of the historical Buddha and his closest disciples, as well as relics of many other Buddhist spiritual masters from the Chinese, Indian and Tibetan traditions. The relics are extraordinary pearl-like deposits found in the cremation ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters as well as fragments of bone, etc., . Buddhists believe these relics are formed as a result of the spiritual realizations of compassion and wisdom. Following the tour the relic collection will be permanently housed in the Heart Shrine of the Maitreya Buddha statue which is being built at Kushinagar in Uttar Pradesh, northern India the place where the historical Buddha passed away 2,600 years ago.
The tour offers visitors a chance to learn about one of the world's major religions and humanitarian traditions, which teaches the ethical values of tolerance, patience, loving-kindness and compassion. As these universal values are embraced and take root in the minds and hearts of more and more people, world peace will become an attainable dream. The collection is owned by Lama Zopa Rinpoche, a Buddhist Master living in California, whose intention is that people all over the world should have the opportunity to experience directly the healing power of the relics.
There will be a wide range of cultural and educational programs offered in support of the display of relics, including panel discussion, lectures, a children's program, meditation instruction, cultural performances and more. All are designed to bring the people a better understanding of loving-kindness. The Heart Shrine Relic Tour exhibitions are open to the public and are free, giving everyone the rare opportunity to be in the presence of such priceless holy objects.
Location:
The Wang Center
Stony Brook University
4040 SUNY
Stony Brook, NY 117944-4040
Schedule of Activities:
Friday Oct 29th, 2004 11:00am - 8:00pm
11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Viewing Relics and Blessings
12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM Meditation & Instruction
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM Lecture: Kwan-Yin: The Feminine Face of Buddhism
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM Guided Loving Kindness Meditation for Healing
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Film "Hi Dharma"Kwan Park/2001/95minutes/Korean w/subtitles
7:15 PM - 7:45 PM Drumming performed by Taiko Tides
Saturday Oct 30th, 2004 11:00am - 6:00pm
11:00 AM - 3:45 PM Viewing Relics and Blessings
11:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Story Telling & Art Making for young audiences
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Meditation & Instruction
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Lecture: Buddhism & Psychology
2:45 PM - 3:30 PM Relics Closing Ceremony
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Cultural Program