The finger bone relic of the Sakyamuni Buddha, one of the most sacred relics in Buddhism, will be on display in the territory next week.

"This is a momentous event for the local Buddhist community. The Buddha finger bone relic is a unique cultural asset and one of our greatest national treasures," Kok Kwong, chairman of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, told reporters at a press conference yesterday.

Kok Kwong said he hoped the exhibition of the holy relic, borrowed from the Famen Buddhist Temple in Xi'an of Shaanxi Province, will encourage peace, compassion and unity in the territory.

"If we all follow the Buddhist themes of kindness and wisdom, much like the Buddha himself, we will find peace within ourselves," he stressed.

The relic, worshipped by Buddhists around the world, is a part of the Buddha's remains that was preserved after he achieved nirvana and was cremated.

"Those who have the opportunity to worship the relic in person will be filled with peaceful thoughts, kindness, equanimity and wisdom," the monk said.

He said the presence of the relic will bring blessings to the territory.

"This is a rare chance for both the faithful and non-Buddhists all over the world to experience the Buddha's blessing."

Kok Kwong also called on the public to maintain social harmony.

"Hong Kong has become a very chaotic place in the last few years," he said. "As a Buddhist, I would advise people in the territory to not participate in demonstrations, which will led to more instability."

Displayed along with 19 other national treasures, the Buddha's finger bone relic will go on show at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 26 to June 1.

(HK Edition 05/18/2004 page2)