SIR,—An event of historic significance is due to take
- place on October 18 when a Holy Relic of the Buddha is enshrined at the London Buddhist Vihara in Chiswick. As it is the first enshrinement under official auspices of a Buddha Relic in the whole of the Western Hemisphere, I would very much appreciate
it if you will accord me the privilege of informing your readers of the events in connection with this historic enshrinement of the Holy Relic at the of amity and co-operation is so much needed.
I have received messages of sympathy and good will expressing their wish to do honour towards this important development in the history of Buddhism from the Queen, the Prime Minister, the Secretary- General of the United Nations, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Apostolic Delegate and numerous religious and cultural organisations. It is encour- aging to see this expression of good will just at the time • of the general election, when a new era of amity and co-operation is so much needed.
Buddhism is well known for its tolerance and for its good will towards other faiths. A gentle creed in which renunciation and kindliness are leading elements—a unifying force between peoples of dif- ferent races and cultures. It is in keeping with this spirit that a public meeting at which representatives of the world's main religions will speak on the theme 'Religion in the Service of Peace' will be held at the Chiswick Town Hall at 3.30 p.m. on October 18, before the Relic is taken in ceremonial pro- cession for its enshrinement at the Vihara at No. 5, Heathfield Gardens, W4. The Prime Minister of' Ceylon will preside over this meeting, which will be addressed by the Bishop of London, Dr. A. Basu, of Durham University, Moulvi S. M. Tufail, Imam of the Woking Mosque. Rabbi M. Berman, of the Wembley Synagogue, and the Ven. U Thittila, of Burma.
G. P. MALALASEKERA
High Commissioner for Ceylon and Patron of the Organising Committee Ceylon High Commission, 13 Hyde Park Gardens, W2
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