R

elics of the first Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha or Gautama Buddha, look like pearls enmeshed in red-gold wire. Buddhists across the world believe these relics, and the pearl-like relics of subsequent Buddhas, hold in their essence the compassion and wisdom to bring harmony and peace to the world.

While Buddhists in Jakarta are up in arms over the name of a nightclub, Bali's Buddhist community is presenting an exhibition of these precious relics in the hope they will stimulate greater understanding and kindness on the tourist island that has, over the past three decades, undergone massive social change.

"Most importantly, we're not only bringing the relics here for Buddhists, but for all members of the community. We believe the relics will bring peace and harmony back to Bali," says Patrick Zaffini, a Buddhist and prime mover behind the exhibition along with his wife, Henny.

Zaffini explains he feels the rapid growth in tourism in Bali and the many social issues affecting other communities across Indonesia have led to growing stress within the population. The traveling exhibition of Buddha relics is aimed at helping people rediscover their own sense of balance and inner peace.

"I think, personally, we all need to worry about the peace and security of this island. I first came here 22 years ago. At that time, Bali was a place of peace and meditation. That street there did not exist. There were just a few barefoot women selling fish that their husbands had caught," Zaffini says, looking out at the dense traffic of Seminyak's main street in Kuta that is today a blistering mass of motorbikes, cars, buses, pollution and road rage.

"I think many people now look around and ask themselves, *What is happening?'"

"For all the people on this island, regardless of religion, perhaps the power of these 2,500-year-old relics of the first Buddha and subsequent Buddhas can offer a balm," he says.

He stresses Buddhism is more a matter of perspective than religion, and its message of compassion is given freely to all.

On loan from the Dalai Lama and various Buddhist monasteries, the "Heart Shrine Relic Tour" has relics of nine different Buddhas and the Heart Shrine Relic Collections, which have made their mark on Earth for the past two-and-a-half millennia.

"

Perhaps the power of these 2,500-year-old relics of the first Buddha and subsequent Buddhas can offer a balm.

"

The relics materialize on the cremation of the Buddhas, Zaffini explains. Amid the ash and bone fragments are found the pearl-like relics that "can multiply themselves".

The relics are believed to have great spiritual power that bleeds into viewers, bringing them a sense of calm and well-being.

"I think this will be a great event that will surprise people - they will feel connected," Zaffini says.

Security for the relics will be managed by Dr. Martin Ramstead, who oversees the security of the Dalai Lama on his journeys around the world.

"He has great internal power and can see danger long before it appears. He is very highly trained," Zaffini says of Ramstead, an officer of the Dorje Kasung Protection and Care Specialists.

Also traveling with the relics will be a Lama from Nepal who will give personal blessings to viewers of the relics.

About 1 percent of Indonesia's population is Buddhist, but the ancient teachings fall within the five religions recognized by Indonesia.

Zaffini's wife, Henny, is a member of that 1 percent of Indonesians following the Buddhist path.

Henny joined her husband on a tour to Lhasa in Tibet, the spiritual home of the Dalai Lama and Buddhism.

"It was two years ago during Waisak, the Buddha's enlightenment day, that I became a Buddhist," she says.

"I had become interested in Buddhism when we went to Lhasa -I was impressed, something touched me inside. When we returned home to Bali, I went to the local Buddha Dharma Temple and began studying.

"My knowledge is still very limited. One of my great interests is the teaching of the Dalai Lama, because his language is so easy to understand. He speaks of compassion and wisdom. It's easy to say, but very hard to do in everyday life," she says.

Despite the difficulties of acting out her newfound knowledge, Henny says she is a far happier person and much easier to get on with two years after starting on the road with the Buddha.

"If you knew me two years ago, you would see I am quite different now. I can now practice a little bit more compassion," Henny jokes.

She points out Buddhism "is not a doctrine - it's up to yourself", agreeing most people are born knowing good from bad; following the teachings of Buddha is like a road map - it just makes doing good that much easier.

The Heart Shrine Relic Tour opens Thursday, April 2, at 4 p.m. at Buddha Dharma Vihara, Sunset Road, Kuta until, Sunday, April 5.

The exhibition will then tour Arma Museum in Ubud; Vihara Budhayana Surabaya from April 17-20; and Sanata Dharma University, Yogyakarta, from April 23-26.