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Lumbini-The Fountain of World Peace

Lumbini-is the Sacred Birth Place of Siddhartha Gautam, the Sakyamuni Buddha; He is called and wellknown-a pioneer of peace. Because he is the first and foremost person who teaches and propagates peace in the world. Now let as examine what he has done for peace and what are his teachings for promoting peace.

(Mr. Loke Darshan)

First of all he has analysed what is life. In his young age he saw four states of life :-

(1) Becoming old (2) sickness (3) Death and (4) Ascetic life. Then he realised in the world life if nothing but suffering, Impermanent and Anitya (Egoless or selfless). He contemplated and found out the way to get rid of it. During his life time he wandered for and near propounded his philosophy spread for and wide.

• Principle of Reasoning and Justice, Cause and Effect: -
  (Rationality- Dependent origination-Pratitasamutpada)

Buddhism is based on reasoning and Justice, Cause and effect (Dependent origination, Hetupratyaya).

The whole causes of conflicts, disagreement, misunderstanding, grievances aggressiveness are existed due to lack of knowing those Fundamental Principles in way of right living peacefully-thus subscribe world Peace. For the cause of peace, he persuade, continuously propagating way of peace to solve conflicts, misunderstandings grievances, differences of opinion etc, The basic principle of Buddha's teaching is to save humanity from suffering.

• Principles of Karuna, Maitri, Mudita and Upekshya: -

1) Karuna means Compassion.
2) Maitri means loving kindness of friendship- wellfeeling.
3) Mudita means appreciative or sympathetic.
4) Upekshkya means equanimity.

For World peace those noble principles are the necessity because the moral and ethical foundation for peace. To achieve peace one should knows and practices "To do unto other as you could wish (have) other to do unto you."

Observing those principles taught by the pioneer of peace, Buddha, peace can be achieved very easily and can be maintained forever. Tolerance and deep feeling of oneness with others come automatically, which will help to maintain peace.

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• Freedom, Equality and Universal Brotherhood: -

Man is born free. He can live in his own way but in the right way of living. Freedom of thought and faith is acceptable. No imposition. Even of one disagrees with he saying and philosophy what Buddha has said on should not accept blindly.

Everybody is equal. There is no discrimination on caste, creed and sex etc,
Everybody is on equal footing.

Everybody on Earth is related each other in some way or other, The essence of Boddhi-Chitta (Awakening Mind) is the formation of enlighten attitude to work for the benefit of others as his own fellow beings. His activities are not confined or centered for his sectarian belief or dogma of any religion or of any political ideology. Universal responsibility of man is to create universal brotherhood because he feels other people's suffering as his own. The great saying of Buddha "Not to kill and not permit Killing."

Once we understand the deep significance of Boddhi-Chitta and practice is earnestly we will realise the importance of others, which causes to world peace.

• Five Precepts (Pancha Silas-Restraint from Five Evils Deeds): -

1) Restrain from killing (Non-violence) =Panatipata.
2) Restrain from not taking anything of other without permission (No stealing) =    Adinadana.
3) Restrain from Mis-conduct = Kameshu Mithachaya.
4) Restrain from telling lie-Restrain from deception (Musawada).
5) Restrain from intoxication-Restrain from intoxication (Surameru).

We will strictly fellow those five principles in life and apply in relations to country to country each other. It will defiantly not only help to understating each well other but also to promote peace and happiness.

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• In his life time: -

He tried and stopped conflicts, disagreements, even war though peaceful methods by negotiation, convincing the conflicting parties etc. such as,

a) Threatening war from powerful neighboring country to Kapilvastu, Buddha's hometown (a proud country-state). The issue was discussed in Sansthagar (Parliament)-Its political system was Republican Kingdom. Though peaceful proposal put majority did not accept forward by Prince Siddhartha, he pursued peaceful means only to settle the dispute to the last.

b) When king Bidudabha of Koshal Kingdom attacked Kapilvastu, Buddha himself stopped the attack (war) three times convincing his (Buddha's own cousin nephew-a very powerful neighboring county's King).

c) When the conflict rose on the ownership of historically welknown "Rohini-River" between Kapilvastu and Devdaha, (Ramagrama his maternal hometown, country), he himself negotiated and settled the conflict peacefully sharing the water of the River for both the Parties. The enmity is over forever.

d) When there are differences of opinion about Vinaya (Norms-Rules of Bhikkhu Sangha) he (intervened) settled, the disputes among Monks (Bhikkhus) amicable and satisfactorily.

e) When Devdatta (his cousin) tried to divide the Bhikkhu Sangha. He has united and satisfied the Monks to keep intact the Bhikkhu Sangha through his most trusted and foremost disciple, Shaliputra.

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• During his life time and after his Maha-Pari nirvana (death): -

Influence by the teaching of Wisdom-Child, Gautam born at Lumbini at least 16 powerful great Emperors and Kings renounced all kinds of Killing, war, violence and adopted Non-violence and peaceful methods to solve all kinds of problems. They use to settle disputes, conflicts, difference of opinion, etc between state-to-state levels, or within own country by peaceful ways and means only such as,

a) King Parsanjit of Kosola (Now at Balarampur).
b) King Bimbisara, father of Ajatsatru of Maghada (Ajatsatru killed his father and all 99     brothers and became king himself) Later on converted himself by the teachings and     the philosophy of Buddha.
c) King Ajatsatru of Maghada.
d) King of Vaisali, Lichhavi King (Now at Patna).

Most notable example set up by most powerful and great Emperor Ashok who is known as wicked Emperor at first and later following the teaching of Buddha, he is called a Great Emperor in the history. He renounced all kinds of violence and adopted peace in every dealing in the state affair and also in relation to other state. How he is influenced and adopted peaceful way in his dealing under the guidance of the principles of Buddhist philosophy-See Appendix.

The relationship, dealing, approach etc. between and among the Nations are guided for a long time by those Noble Sayings till to the modern period.

Even in the modern time- the principles of Non-violence, Table-Talk (Negotiation) are adopted and followed by great personalities like Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela etc to gain Independence for their Countries.

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United Nations- Commitment for World Peace: -

The conception of formation of United Nations also gives vital importance to peace. United Nations (UN) is on organization of nations that works for World Peace and security and the betterment of humanity. In the charter of the United Nations it has been clearly explained the purposes (goals) and principles (basic beliefs). The first purpose is to preserve World Peace and security. Second, main principles of 1) settling the disputes peacefully and also 2) agree not to use force or the threat of force against other nations except in self-defense.

In the process of drafting the U.N. Charter, the international peace and security closely linked. With the progress in arms limitations, disarmament, cessation of violent conflicts through mutual trust for consent and co-operation. The first of these U.N. Charter's principles was the commitment "To save succeeding generations from scourge of war. Article 26 of the charter.

In the process of drafting the UN charter, it was counted that the maintenance of international peace and security should be closely linked with the progress in arms limitations, disarmament, cessation of violent conflicts through mutual trust for consent and co-operation. The first of these UN charter's principles was the commitment to "save succeeding generations from the scourge of war." But, there is no end to the armed intervention and violent conflicts in different parts of the world. Article 26 of the charter, which promotes. "The establishment and maintenance of international peace and security with the least diversion for armaments of the world's human and economic resources," provides a framework of the goal of international peace and security.

As the most important goal of the United Nations includes achieving World Peace and security. The UN has helped end conflicts around the world through the negotiation of cease-fires and peace agreement.

In consonance of peace purpose and principle of UN, The Secretary-Generals of UN expressed their views on Lumbini Development based on peace.

Secretary General U Thant: -

After the internationalisation of Lumbini under the UN Umbrella, due to appreciable pious desire of late U Thant, on the basis of peace and development International efforts are directed to 1) preserving the places as a symbol of the profound spiritual and moral values, Which Buddha preached and practised as a means for attaining both inner peace and human compassion and tolerance and 2) converting and developing the entire Lumbini Site which is now remote an isolated and also virtually inaccessible into an attractive pilgrimage and tourist center with easy access and the adequate accommodation and facilities for visitors and tourists, religious and otherwise, 3) a way as to reveal the universality and the significance of Buddha's message which has to quote the Secretary General "at no in history has been relevant than it is today."

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Secretary General Dr. Kurt Waldhein:-

Secretary General Javier Perez:-

Lumbini, where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 B.C., is one of the most sacred Places for Buddhists. Worldwide attention is focused on Lumbini not only because pilgrims and tourists come from all over the world, but because for all mankind Lumbini has special meaning as a place of meditation and spiritual renewal, a centre of cultural exchange and a symbol of peace.

Buddha's message of compassion and devotion to the service of humanity is more relevant today that at any other time in history. Peace, understanding and a vision that transcends purely national boundaries and imperatives of our insecure, nuclear age.

"It is a great pleasure to speak to you tonight, in the land where the Lord Buddha was born; in a country which has always respected peace, and has always fulfilled its obligations as a respected member of the United Nations.

Nepal's record in the United Nations provides a shining example-of -how-a-small- nation, can make a contribution to world peace, and of how the world organisation, in turn, may assist such nation that is determined to help-itself. It is in this spirit that His Majesty's Government has, in the United Nations, on the one hand, proposed that Nepal be considered a Zone of peace, and, on the other, that Nepal has participated energetically in United Nations peace-Keeping efforts, for which it has won the gratitude of the international community.

Yesterday, I again (he has visited Lumbini at previous time also) had the privilege of visiting Lumbini and of seeing the progress in a project that was particularly close to the heart of my distinguished predecessor, U Thant.

At the United Nations, we believe that development is another name for peace, if every individual had the basic necessities to sustain life with dignity, then there would be less incentive to belligerency."

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His Majesty King Mahendra addressed on 22nd Session of the UN General Assembly.

On quote "Let us work collectively and in harmony for the noble cause of peace, progress and human brotherhood which this great organisation so eloquently symbolizes. To this goal in a most sublime from Lord Buddha beckoned us more than twenty-five hundred years ago. I pledge my country's support and endeavor for the realization of this goal."

His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev has stated, on quote "Lumbini signifies the profound importance in spreading the universal message of peace and compassion. Great religions have a common goal of establishing peace on earth, great philosophies have always dispensed wisdom and great cultures have always upheld peace and wisdom in everyday life." As peace transcends all boundaries and as the world is full of strife and social injustice, the message of the Buddha is more relevant today than ever before. In the light of this spirit, His Majesty's Government of Nepal has always maintained that Lumbini is a symbol of peace and piety that belongs not to one country, region, religion but the whole humanity. Hence, the spirit of the development of Lumbini is the responsibility of all those believers in the endeavor to develop this most worthy that reflects the spiritual and cultural heritage of humanity for us and the generations to come.

The world today is in the grip of tension caused by racial, religious and political conflicts, bloodshed, violence, hunger and poverty. The chasm between the two worlds- the developed and the underdeveloped is widening which has caused serious concern for all of us. The fast development in the science and technology has made the world small. At incident happening in one corner of the world have its repercussions felt worldwide immediately after. In this context the teachings of Lord Buddha assume greater significance today.

Lord Buddha, as we all know, stands for Ahimsa (non-violence and peace). I therefore request the concerned organizations that while making and decision on peace let it be done from this holy garden of Lumbini, the Fountain of World Peace. By doing so we will be paying sincere tribute to Lord Buddha-the Apostle of Peace and Symbol of Compassion. Humanity and Universal Brotherhood. _________Opening.

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"I am sure that this conference held at the birthplace of Lord Buddha has given a new impetus to all of us for the necessary development of this very sacred place. It must also inspire us to work for the world peace as we can achieve it only through the way Lord Buddha has taught.

The philosophy of Nirvana taught by Lord Buddha has emphasized the advancement of spiritual aspect of our life more than the development material things. However, this philosophy has been the most scientific, practical, just and peaceful. I believe that the twentieth century man cannot accept anything that is not scientific, practical, just and peaceful.

We, the people of Nepal, are trying our level best to build a society based on those very elements believed to be valuable by human society, that is a society which is democratic, peaceful, prosperous and happy. So our Keywords, therefore, are: democracy, nationalism and socialism. The foundation of all these three elements is Buddhism.

The Nepalese society does not have to wander around the world for the inspiration of democratic socialism. The foundation of Socialism, as we understand it, is Buddhism itself, we, as social democrats, are against war and the accumulation of weapons. The teachings of non-violence first taught by Lord Buddha constitute the original concept of peaceful world order, as we understand it. Another chief goal of socialism is social justice, which is also inspired by Lord Buddha's teaching of equality and compassion. The ultimate goal of democracy is complete freedom and liberty, which Lord Buddha called nirvana or freedom from the cycle of birth and death, that is the complete cessation of existence. Political freedom is the first prerequisite for the ultimate freedom of soul.

Nepal's foreign policy is also based on the principles of Panch Sheel as enunciated in Buddhist Philosophy. It has been our firm conviction that the principles of Panch Sheel constitute the firm basis of world peace. When these principles of Panch Sheel are translated into our foreign policy, they become mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-aggression, non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. It is well known that the spirit of Panch Sheel is also the spirit of the Charter of the United Naitons."______Closing.

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Peace linked with Development: -

When we talk and take into consideration of Lumbini-The Fountain of World Peace. It is not purely academic and philosophic aspect only. It has its side of coin too. i.e. The U.N. internationalizes it for its development also befitting for Buddha's-Pioneer of Peace-Birth Place to the standard as "The Fountain of World Peace and the Holiest Pilgrimage Centre of the Buddhist and Peace Loving People of the World."

Peace in isolation has no meaning. Peace for what. -Peace is necessary for the welfare and happiness for the people. Without development there can be neither peace nor security. Development is indispensable to the achievement and maintenance of peace and security both within and among nations. Thus peace should be linked with the development. Peace and Development are closely interrelated and mutually supportive. This is for what U.N. took initiative to internalisation for the Development of Lumbini. Sustainable development with peace is the main priority of U.N. to achieve a higher quality of life for the people. Development of Lumbini is the concern of the whole world.

Swayambhu Chaitya (After Completion)	Swayambhu Chaitya (Under Construction)

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Inception to the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B)

An International meting of Buddhists from all over the world was convened at Colombo, Sri Lank on the 25th of May 1950. It was an important gathering, Because it represented a coming together of Buddhists from 27 countries irrespective of their practices in Theravada, Mahayana of Vajrayana traditions and, Dharmodaya Sabha represented Nepal on that occasion of this First World Buddhist Conference. The delegates from different country unanimously felt the lack of an international Buddhist Association to bring unity and solidarity among the Buddhist all over the World, and for the cause of peace in the world through the teaching of the Buddha. And so the World Fellowship of Buddhists (W.F.B) was formed. Dharmodaya Sabha is thus the founder member of the WFB. But the Sabha is accepted as the regional center for Nepal only in 1956, in which year the 4th World Buddhist Conference was held here in Kathmandu. Since the founding of the WFB, the Sabha is regularly participating in the General Conferences as one of the active Regional Center of WFB.

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