BUILDING PEACE THROUGH SPIRITUALITY

The Nepalese government recently appointed His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche to develop the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace in Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. He tells Gayatri Bhaumik about the significance of Lumbini and what he hopes to a

LUMBINI WAS A MAJOR SPIRITUAL DESTINATION UNTIL THE 15TH CENTURY. WHAT MADE IT SO SPECIAL?

Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha. Queen Mayadevi stopped here on the way back to her parents’ home, and ended up giving birth here. Centuries later, the powerful King Ashoka erected a stone pillar here to mark this special place. Similar to how Jerusalem is precious to Christians and Jews, and Mecca is a precious place in Islamic tradition, Lumbini is sacred ground for Buddhists.

AFTER THE 15TH CENTURY LUMBINI WAS NEGLECTED. WHY DID IT FALL OUT OF FAVOUR?

There are ups and downs in history. At the time, Buddhist followers were not a formidable force, able to preserve their own sacred place, and access to the area wasn’t readily available, so it became like a jungle because nobody took care of it. Also, not that I have proof, but knowing human nature and the history of the area, we can surmise that conflicts in the region were a factor.

YOU’VE BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT OF NEPAL TO CREATE THE MAHASIDDHA SANCTUARY FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE AT LUMBINI. HOW DID THIS COME ABOUT?

I’d been trying to build a monastery to honour Buddha for several years. While looking for sites, some high-society Nepalese friends suggested I do something in Nepal. They were able to involve the Nepalese government, who suggested Lumbini and asked me to do something that was universal, something not just for Buddhists.

CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE SANCTUARY AND YOUR PLANS FOR IT?

I intend for this to be an education centre for monks and nuns, and a place where laypeople can come on pilgrimage, or seek to do good. But the most important thing is that this is going to be a centre for everybody who loves peace, because we won’t discriminate against anyone. I want the world to achieve peace, and I would like to have the sanctuary identified as a global peace centre.

HOW DO YOU HOPE TO PRESENT LUMBINI AS A DESTINATION TO THE REST OF THE WORLD?

I would like to present Lumbini as it is. I don’t want to add anything because it’s not necessary. It is already what it is, the place where Buddha was born. That itself is more meaningful than anything you could add.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE THAT TRAVELLERS WILL GAIN OR TAKE AWAY FROM THEIR VISIT TO LUMBINI?

I would really hope that travellers will be able to look within themselves while in Lumbini. I hope that they will realise how precious their lives are. As humans, everyone is born somewhere, but from there they might not be able to recognise how important their lives are, so I hope they can learn that through their visit.

HOW CAN TRAVELLERS HELP WITH YOUR EFFORTS?

I think the most important way travellers will be able to help is by embracing our vision of inclusivity, and of helping others. I would like people to come and stay as long as they can and to truly experience Lumbini. Through this, they will help the local people and industries. Hotels will be able to show them hospitality, but more importantly, there are many children here who need help, and there are many hospitals and schools that need assistance.

NEPAL WAS HIT BY A DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE IN APRIL. HOW HAS THIS AFFECTED YOUR EFFORTS?

My priority is to ensure that humanitarian aid is delivered to the people of Nepal. I pray that the teachings of Buddha will give strength to all those affected. But in the long term, we must rebuild and rejuvenate. Now more than ever do we need to ensure that important sites such as Lumbini are protected for future generations. The Mahasiddha Sanctuary will not just give rebirth to Lumbini, but it will also provide a positive focal point for all humanity as we work together to heal and regenerate.