Buddha was born more than 2600 years ago at Lumbini in Nepal. His teachings of existence of suffering and the way out of the suffering are as applicable today as it was applicable then. The middle way he preached is more appropriate now than ever before.
For centuries Buddhism remained the religion of the East. Recently, more and more Westerners are learning about it and practicing Dharma for spiritual and physical well-being and happiness. As a result of this interest many monasteries and Buddhist organisations have been established in the West, including UK. Most have Asian connections but others are unique to the West e.g. Friends of Western Buddhist Order.
Nepalese, residing in the UK, wishing to practice dharma for their spiritual development, turned to them as they were no such Nepalese organisations. Therefore, a group of Nepalese met in February 1997 and founded Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) to fill this gap. The society is a non-political, non-racial, non-profit making voluntary organisation and open to all, both Nepalese and non-Nepalese, whatever their faith.
1) The Sacred Garden Zone: It is in incomplete stage at the moment. The main archaeological site, where the Mayadevi Shrine was located is being excavated. So far archaeologists have found many items from there of which two are very significant: Marker stone of the Buddha’s birth spot and an oldest terracotta image of the Buddha when he was about to leave palace in search of Enlightenment. These archaeological items are kept in the temporary archaeological office at the site.
Apart from buildings and ruins there are annual festivals which are worth to partake when it takes place. Obviously, the most important festival in Lumbini is on the day of the birth of the Buddha—the Vesak full moon day which, as per English calendar, is around April or May. The next important date is in the month of December-January when Lamas from all over the country as well as overseas, go there to recollect the qualities of the Buddha. This festival continues for 10-12 days. The highlight of this festival is the last day called the ceremony of burning oil lamps which is worth seeing. Also, people from surrounding villages come to the ‘Mela’ which is celebrated at the end of the second week of April every year. This mela continues for two days. The highlight of this mela: women from surrounding villages come to Mayadevi Shrine to completely shave off their children's hair and lay it in front of Ashoka Pillar.
2) The Monastic Zone: This is divided into two zones:
2.1. East Monastic Zone which is dedicated for the construction of Theravada monasteries from different countries.
2.2. West Monastic Zone which is dedicated for the construction of Mahayana traditional monasteries from all over the world. So far many monasteries representing different countries have been completed or on its way to completion.
2.1. East Monastic Zone: Entering through the main entrance at Lumbini village zone the first monastery one will come across is the Thai monastery. The construction of this monastery was started in 1997 by Thai government. It is constructed on 5 acres of land. The grand monastic wall and some buildings have been entirely designed and built according to typical Thai architecture.
Next to the Thai temple is another Theravadin temple built by Mahabodhi Society of India. It was started in 1996 on 1.5 acres of land. These temples will be bordered by canal which has not been built yet.
Next group of temples are the plot reserved by Bangal Buddhist Association for construction of their Theravadin temple which has not began yet. Adjacent to it is the most grand and beautiful Theravada temple belongings to Myanmar government. They started the work in 1993 and have mostly completed so far. This temple is also built on 5 acres of land. A magnificent replica of Burmese Swedagoan pagoda and other replicas of Burmese historical buildings are the must for any visitor. It is always crowded with pilgrims and tourists nowadays.
At the end of this zone is Nepalese temple built by International Bhikshuni Association. This is built on 1.5 acres of land and is nearing completion.
In the 1st December 1998 Sri Lankan government also commenced the construction of Sri Lankan temple in this zone. Besides these temples there is also a Vipassana meditation centre which is also under construction.
2.2. West Monastic Zone: On the West side to Lumbini canal is West Monastic Zone. This zone is set aside for about 15 Mahayana monasteries of which many are under construction. One of the majestic monasteries in this zone is the Chinese monastery built by Chinese government on 6.25 acres of land which was completed in September 1998. The buildings were constructed in a typical Chinese architectural style with the estimated budget of about 4 million pound. This has already become an important site of Lumbini for pilgrims to visit.
The first monastery to be built in this zone is Vietnamese monastery on 6.25 acres of land. The traditional Vietnamese architectural buildings and pagoda which is 25 metre high is magnificent and picturesque. It is near its completion.
Another grand temple belongs to Korean Buddhists which lies in front of the Chinese temple. A Korean designed guesthouse is already in completion and the main shrine hall is under construction. Apart from these completed temples there are other plots of land which have already been reserved for French Buddhist temple, German Buddhist temple, and Tibetan Gompas.
3) The new Lumbini Village Zone: This zone is purely allocated for the material world i.e. for residence, education, and social activities. It is in the northern part of Lumbini and it is a gateway to Lumbini just before entering into the spiritual and sacred lands. Within the New Lumbini Village zone there are provisions for museum, libraries, International Buddhist Research Institute, hotels, guesthouses, hospital and tourist centres. This is the starting point for all pilgrims entering Lumbini to start their spiritual journey.
From five stars hotels to simple pilgrim’s guesthouses are already in service. However, library, research centre and museum are still on its way to the operation although the buildings were completed a long time ago.
Also within this zone the highest World Peace Pagoda of Asia is under construction by Japanese Buddhists. This is the place where a hideous crime of murdering Japanese Buddhist monk, Navatame took place in 1997. However, since the murder took place, it has become another place for pilgrims and tourists to visit and see the spot with their own eyes. In fact, this World Peace Pagoda is an additional to the original Master Plan.
Lumbini is not only sacred and sanctuary for all Buddhists and peace lovers but with its rich fruit trees, green lands and wet lands it became a sanctuary for many birds, fishes and animals. Within this garden there are many types of endangered birds living happily. Many wild antelope (Nilgai) often passes through the garden and it is very pleasant to see fishes jumping up and down in the canals and ponds. Lumbini is indeed a sacred place and a source of peace for mind and body. It is indeed a fountain of World Peace. Whoever visit there and reflect on the reality of the world according to the Buddha’s teachings will achieve peace physically and spiritually as Buddha himself had mentioned (in Dighanikaya) before his death: ‘Lumbini should be (visited and) seen by a person of devotion, and which would cause awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence...’
Lumbini is becoming the Buddhist centre where one can see and witness most Buddhist cultures of the world. Since the Buddha was born 2600 years ago at Lumbini, his teachings have reached far and wide, all over the world. Now such glory is going back to its founder’s land, its place of origin. Just by visiting Lumbini in Nepal, one will be able to see different Buddhist architectures and culture from all over the world. One will have a chance to comprehend how his teachings have affected all walks of life in different parts of the world. Most importantly one will have a golden opportunity to understand and practice all different traditions of Buddhism to suit an individual. Lumbini today reflects a whole spectrum of the development of Buddhism from its inception to present time doctrinally and culturally
Buddhists Festivals
Buddha Purnima - Buddhists remembering threefold events, the birth of The Buddha in Lumbini, attainment of Buddhahood in Buddhagaya and his Parinirvana in Kusinara celebrate Buddha Purnima – Vesak which falls on full moon of May. Devotees go to religious places on this day freely as it is official holiday. Practising generosity, cultivating morality and contemplating on meditation is done in every Buddhist temples. Going to Swayambhu, displaying picture of Buddha outside the house, reciting devotional songs and Buddha’s relic procession are some of colourful events take in Nepal during this day ... more
Gunla – Religious month in August when Buddhists visits Swayambhu daily for this month. It is considered as religious month. Playing Gunla drums, which is religious music, devotees visit Swayambhu and Buddhist shrines (Vaidya, which is displayed specially during this month in Baha and Bahis in Kathmandu Valley).
Vijaya dasami – Buddhists commemorate this day as a day of victory of peace. Emperor Asoka, who lived 2 century after the Buddha gave up weapon and known as Dhammasoka from Chandasoka. By listening to the novice monk the warrior Emperor Asoka became peaceful in his heart. After becoming devout to Buddhism he built shrines and pagodas across the India and Nepal. Thanks to his thoughtful action, stabilising pillars and rocks, today we know where the Buddha lived and taught the Dharma.
Mukha Astami – Annually during month of October-November at Pasupati, god Siva is covered by The Buddha’s face and done rituals. For this day Pasupati becomes a Buddhist shrine. During this period Buddhists observe precepts (vrata) and participate in rituals.
Chaita Dasain – In the month of December-January Statue of Compassion (Janmadya, Karunamaya) is put in chariot taking in parade around the Kathmandu city. Fortnight before the Karunamaya is given bath, redrawn face. City parade with national troop takes a week. During this week chariot is stopped over night on the way to the Shrine where devotees visit and lit lamps and do offerings.
Panjaran – Give alms to shrines and Gurju (household Buddhist monks) in Swayambhu and in household. Panjaran Bigu is time when devotees offer various foods to Gurjus.
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Mr. Vivek Grover
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