A precious collection of sacred relics of the historic Buddha and many other Buddhist masters is currently touring the world, and will be on display at the Unitarian Church in Westport Friday to Sunday, November 6, 7, 8. This is a rare opportunity to view these relics, which were found among the cremation ashes of Buddhist masters. They resemble beautiful, pearl-like crystals, and are clearly visible inside encasements. Buddhists believe the relics embody the master’s spiritual qualities of compassion and wisdom and are deliberately produced by the master at the time of death. Visitors often report experiences of inspiration and healing when in the presence of the relics. While some are inspired to pray for world peace, others are overcome by emotion as the powerful effects of the relics open their hearts to compassion and loving-kindness. Visitors may participate in the Blessing Ceremony, where the relics of the Buddhas will be gently placed on the crown of the visitor’s head as a personal blessing. Eventually these rare relics will be enshrined in a 500-foot bronze statue of Maitreya Buddha being built in Kushinigar, northern India. According to the Buddhist scriptures, Maitreya will be the next Buddha to bring teachings of loving-kindness to the world.

Friday’s Opening Ceremony will be held from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, 1-5 p.m. The Unitarian Church is at 10 Lyons Plains Road, Westport. For more information, and to download images of the relics: MaitreyaProject.org. There will be no entrance charge. Donations are welcome.