Today I went to see the relics of the Maitreya Project. It is a collection of more than 1,000 relics of Buddhist masters, some dating back more than 2,500 years. What I found particularly inspiring was that the exhibition was held within a conference room at the Flamingo Hilton, right on the Las Vegas Strip. Above us, the tourists were pulling the handles on the slot machines as we entered an incredibly tranquil and spiritual space, so removed from this world that I really felt like I had been transported to Thailand or Tibet.

I was only able to devote an hour to the exhibit. I prayed. Prostrated myself before the relics. Received a blessing from one of the monks on hand. I gave a small donation to the project, and received a lovely talisman that I’ll add to my shrine at home. Later in the day, I told dozens of people to visit the exhibit on Sunday, the last day it will be in Las Vegas. Everyone I spoke to seemed inspired to visit. I must have been successful in conveying the wonderous importance and uniqueness of the opportunity. I intend to go again tomorrow and spend more time there, just soaking up the tranquility, so absent from our bustling tourist destination. I felt very connected to previous time spent in the Zendo in Tokyo and the wats of Bangkok. Tomorrow, I shall take my prayer beads and some flowers. What a wonderful Sunday to look forward to.