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LumbiniLumbiniLumbini J OURNAL O F T HE L UMBINI N EPALESE B UDDHA D HARMA S OCIETY (UK) Volume 18 B. E. 2559 May 2015

Elani Samyek, Patan, Nepalese Buddha Society (UK)

uddha was born more than 2600 years ago at Lumbini in Nepal. His teachings of existence of suffering and Lumbini Bthe way out of the suffering are applicable today as they were Journal of The Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) applicable then. The he preached is more appropriate now than ever before. Lumbini is the journal of LNBDS (UK) and published annually depending upon funds and written material; and distributed free For centuries remained the religion of the East. Recently, of charge as Dharma Dana. It is our hope that the journal will serve more and more Westerners are learning about it and practising Dharma as a medium for: for the spiritual and physical well-being and happiness. As a result of this interest many monasteries and Buddhist organisations have been 1.Communication between the society, the members and other established in the West, including in the UK. Most have Asian interested groups. connections but others are unique to the West e.g. Friends of Western Buddhist Order. 2.Publication of news and activities about Buddhism in the United Nepalese, residing in the UK, wishing to practice the Dharma for their Kingdom, Nepal and other countries. spiritual development, turned to them as there were no such Nepalese 3.Explaining various aspects of Dharma in simple and easily organisations. Therefore, a group of Nepalese met in February 1997 understood language for all age groups. and founded Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) to fill this gap. The society is non-political, non-racial, non-profit making 4.Discussion on Dharma through a readers column. voluntary organisation and open to all, both Nepalese and non-Nepalese, Lumbini is run purely on donation. Therefore, any donations are whatever their faith and tradition. welcome and greatly appreciated. Cheques/Postal orders should be Objectives made payable to Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) or LNBDS (UK) and forwarded to the society. 1. To make Buddhism known to the wider public and to help them understand the benefits of the Budha's profound teachings, Lumbini for you... 2. To have a forum for the meeting of Nepalese residents in the UK and others with an interest in Buddha Dharma as a spiritual For the forthcoming issues of Lumbini, we welcome your articles, practice for discussion, exchange of ideas, constructive dialogue anecdotes, short stories or news features, which are linked to Nepal and to build Nepalese Buddhist community in the UK etc., and/or Buddhism. Send your contributions and comments to the Editor, LNBDS. 3. To establish links with similar organisations in the UK, Nepal and other countries, Please include your full name, address and telephone number. We regret we cannot acknowledge or return items we do not publish. 4. To organise voluntary work to help reduce human suffering in Nepal and other countries, and Maiya Vaidya, Mr. Rajju Dwip Bajracharya, Mr. Dinesh Sthapit, Mrs. 5. To promote and publish religious and cultural heritage of Nepal. Bijaya Luxmi Joshi Rai, Dr. Chuda B. Karki Advisers Sugandha (Thailand), Lodro Thaye, Bhikkhu Sujankirti, Editor: Amrit Ratna Sthapit Dr. Ratna Bahadur Sakya Editorial Panel: Dr Dharma B. Shakya, Ram Babu Thapaliya, Executive Committee Members (UK) Dinesh Bajracharya Bhikkhu Sumana (President), Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit (Vice-President), Mr. Dinesh Sthapit (Treasurer), Dr Dharma B. Shakya (Secretary), Front Cover Design: Udaya Shakya Mr. Ram Babu Thapaliya (Joint Secretary) Design & Layout: Amrit Ratna Sthapit Members Mrs. Nani Shova Shakya, Mr. Gyalsang Tamang, Mr. Sukman , LNBDS OfficeOffice: Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya, Dr. Swayambhu and Mr. Sujan Shakya [email protected] www.lumbini.org.uk Organising Committee All Executive Committee Members, Mrs. Pramila Shakya, Dr. Rasana Printed by: Jeddo Print Bajracharya, Mrs. Anu Sthapit, Mr. Shubha Ratna Shakya, Mrs. Menika Unit 32, 63 Jeddo Road, London, W12 9ED Sthapit, Mrs. Padma Sakya, Mrs. Reema Shakya, Mrs. Suchita Tuladhar, Mrs. Durga Thapaliya Articles and opinions expressed in the journal are not necessarily the opinions of the society. Life Members Mr. Amrit R. Sthapit, Dr. Dharma B. Shakya, Dr. Lochan Manandhar, Mrs. Nani Shova Shakya, Mrs. Sakuna Lama, Miss Hima Gurung, Lumbini is published purely on donation. It is distributed Mrs. Anita Rai, Mr. Lil Gurung, Mr. Surya Bajra Yonjan, Mr. Redwood freely as Dharma Dana for benefit of many. Any kind of MA, Mr. Shashi Manandhar, Mr. Rambabu Thapaliya, Mr. Uttam support for publication is appreciated. This could be in form of Nepal, Mr. Chakra B. Tamang, Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya, Miss Sophia your personal greetings or business advert in the magazine. Somerville, Mrs. Vibeke Dahl, Mrs. Asha Sharma, Dr. David Gellener, Please contact the Society for space if you wish to support us. Mrs. Shanta Gurung, Mrs. Geeta Shrestha, Ms Jasmin Lama, Mrs Hind Thank you for your kind support, LNBDS

May 2015 Lumbini 2 Lumbini Contents Journal of The Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) LNBDS Executive Committee and Objectives 2 Volume 18 B.E. 2559 May 2015 Editorial 3 Pancha Dana in Buddhism 4 Editorial - Dr. Dinesh Lal Bajracharya Prince Siddhattha saved the Swan 7 LNBDS would like to wish a very Happy Buddha Day, - Sujanakirti Bhante Buddha Jayanti, Swanyapunhi to all our readers. It is 2559th Buddha Jayanti, the era which marks the passing A Tribute to Luang Por Sumedho away (Mahaparinirvana) of the Buddha, in 543 BCE. The on his 80th birthday 8 Buddha was born in 623 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. So, - Dr. Rasana Bajracharya th this year we will also be celebrating the Buddha’s 2639 Bubaha: - Yashodhara Mahavihar 10 birth day, Lumbini Day. - Mr. Dhakhwa This year is certainly one of the darkest in the history of '' a simple approach to peace 11 Nepal. Within very short period of time over 7000 people - Ram Thapaliya died, millions became homeless and whole world got stunned from devastating earthquake that took place in Lumbini Declaration 14 Nepal on Saturday, 25/4/2015. This natural tragedy dfgl;s lasf; / a'''4'' wd{ 16 stopped our heartbeat, made us speechless and brought - Amrit Kaji Shakya tears in our eyes. We wished it was just a nightmare and will be fine once it’s over but for many, it changed their Letters to Editor 21 lives forever. No word could console victims’ agony at Condolences to departed ones 21 such time. It is easy to discuss and give lengthy advices at the time of such disasters but not tolerable to people who LNBDS Activities and News 22 go through unbearable sorrow and loss. Our prayer and News about Buddhism 24 kind wishes are with them and our society is supporting the victims in the form of various charities. available to publish in this magazine. Following the earthquake in Nepal, the world expressed In article ‘A Tribute to Luang Por Sumedho on his 80th their support and kindness. Compassion was overflowing birthday ’ Dr. Rasana Bajracharya explains how Venerable in everybody’s heart. Support started pouring which we Sumedho followed advice of Ajan Chah and settled in appreciate with gratitude. We wish that all these donations the UK propagating Buddhism from Chithurst and are channelled properly to relieve victims’ pain and rebuild Amaravati which has become main centres for their lives. Generously giving is a high quality a human Dhammaduta activities in the West. can have. Out of compassion and goodwill when one expresses kindness in words or in kind for betterment of Panca Dana is a religious event that takes place annually others is charity. This could take various forms such as in , Patan and Bhaktapur with great devotion. giving food, clothes, medicine, shelter, money, emotional The fundamental purpose of this is to practice giving support and wisdom. (Dana). The Society organised its first ever Pancha Dana programme at Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara in London in ‘Sabbe Sankhara Anicca, all formations are impermanent’, August 2014. Because of overwhelming support and said the Buddha. They are impermanent and will participation we will be organising this event annually. eventually come to an end. Even at subliminal level they We are thankful to Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya for sharing an are constantly undergoing rise and fall, forever coming article on Pancha Dana which was presented as a power into being and then, in a split second, breaking up and point at the event. perishing. “Having arisen they then cease,” and because they all cease they cannot provide stable happiness and We are grateful to Mr. Rambabu Thapaliya for his article security. Life is impermanent (Aniccan– momentary, keeps ‘Meditation’ a simple approach to peace’ which we share here changing), suffering (Dukkhan - unable to accept for the benefit of our readers. To our Nepali readers, we impermanent due to attachment), and no self (Anattan - are glad to publish winning article from our essay nothing to hold as permanent forever). competition 2014 in Nepal titled ‘dfgl;s lasf; / a4' wd'{ (Buddhism and mental development) by Amrit Kaji In November 2014, international delegations gathered in Shakya. Our appreciation to Vinaya Dhakhwa for Lumbini for 4 days conference. At the end of the summit, providing an article on Bubaha, Nepal. Our thanks to Lumbini Declaration was announced on Promotion, Suman Ratna Dhakhwa for providing front cover. Protection and Preservation of Lumbini. We express our gratitude to Bhante Bodhijyana for making declaration May peace and contentment be with you! 3 Lumbini May 2015 Pancha Dana in Buddhism (This talk was given on Sunday, 31st August 2014 at the Society's first ever Pancha Dana (Panjaran) programme at Kingsbury Vihara, London.) " Dr. Dinesh Lal Bajracharya, Kent, UK What is Dana? him feel inferior than you then your act of giving will be rather painful than helpful. Dana is a word which denotes or generosity. In general term, Dana is the act of giving with The wisdom behind Dana is to be grateful to the recipient pure mind with the sole aim of helping those whose needs for giving an opportunity to make an offering and then are greater than ours without expecting anything in return accepting the offer. It is the receiver of Dana who provides like praise, fame, favour, recognition, prestige, merits or an opportunity for the act of Dana to be fulfilled and can even heaven after death. Dana does not have to be material itself be viewed as an act of compassion or generosity. things only but could be spending time and giving space Further, Dana should be followed by contentment not by to those who needs someone to listen to their problems regret. If we give away things with generosity first and or service to those who need them. Giving a smile, being later repent then the act of Dana will be of reduced quality pleasant and considerate, speaking pleasantly, advising to in terms of the purity of the act. In previous Buddha’s dispel fear, even expressing gratitude for the kindness of time a rich Bramhim invited Buddha for Bhojan Dana. the people constitute an act of Dana. A person used to After offering Bhojan the Bramhin repented that he offer some money to a street beggar on regular basis. One shouldn’t have given fresh Bhojan to Buddha as he still day he forgot to carry the money hence he politely says to had left over from yesterday. This thought made the the beggar, “Sorry brother due to some urgent thing I Brahmin’s act of generosity (Dana) tainted with an element forgot to carry the money today”. In reply, the beggar of stinginess. As a result despite having plenty of wealth says,” You gave me invaluable thing today by calling me due to good karma of offering to Buddha he only ate brother which is beyond compare to any materialistic leftover food throughout his life. things or money anyone can offer”. From this example it is clear that a polite, humble, compassionate, and friendly The act of Dana should be guided by the notion ‘Give word, advice, teaching, expression etc. is much more what you can within your capacity.’ Dana does not mean valuable than material things to offer. It is therefore in you have to give everything and become a pauper. So Buddhism ‘The greatest Dana is the Dharma Dana - offering should be in accordance with the capability and teaching dharma or a skill.’ It is said, “The gift of Dharma availability of the giver. For example a rich person can offer excels all other gifts.” (Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati- wealth/ money, a musician or singer can offer a melodious 354). As Tashi Tsering said, “Sharing music or song, an artist can offer charity sponsorship, a teachings does not have to be (teaching) in a traditional poor person can offer his labour or skill, a pedestrian can way. Simply saying things which are relevant with offer helping hand to a disabled walker to cross the road compassion is great generosity. Generosity is one of the main or remove obstacles on the road. There are countless acts antidotes for attachment.” Similarly, compassion is antidote of generosity in this world; the only thing needed is of anger. compassion and wisdom. Dana is generally categorized in three stages. In first stage one can start the act of dana by What is not an act of Dana is when you give something offering possessions what one doesn’t need. This stage is with the following idea “Let laymen and monks both think very important as it is quite easy to start dana. The second that this was done by myself. In every work great or small, stage is to offer what you like. This stage is difficult to let them refer to me. Such is the aspiration of the fool. His practice. It usually emerges out of compassion. The third desire and pride increase. Dhammapada v.74” stage is to offer what is most precious to you. This is most Dana and Wisdom difficult one. It is believed that only person with deep sense and feeling of compassion can do this and this is the Dana will be a worthy act only if it is practiced with practice which leads to attainment of higher spiritual goal. compassion and wisdom. Hence we need to be careful In Buddhism the precious thing doesn’t include family while being generous. For example if you are convinced members unlike in other religion. that your help will be misused say by a drug addict or an alcoholic that will not be a virtuous act because you will Evolution of Dana in Buddha’s time be helping this person indirectly to continue with his/her Dana is one of the main foundations of Buddhism harmful way. (Buddha Dharma). Dana in Buddha’s time was started in In another circumstance, if you give away something to the sixth century BCE when a village woman called Sujata someone with an intention to hurt the person by making offered rice pudding to Gautam Siddhartha in just a day before his enlightenment. When he accepted

May 2015 Lumbini 4 the rice pudding from Sujata indicating giving up of the celebrate this tradition as one of the holiest festivals in extreme renunciation for six years that brought him to Nepal. In Pancha Dana mainly five things are offered to the point of death, and after eating it he regained monks and nuns; and Bajracharyas and Shakyas in consciousness and strength to carry on meditation which Buddhist tradition which are rice (rice pudding), ultimately led him to enlightenment. lentils, salt, sugar and health drinks (milk). The tradition of Dana in Buddhism started when Buddha Pancha Dana thus is offering of rice pudding and five other established ‘’. In order to spread Buddha’s teachings, edible things from lay Buddhists to Dipankar Tathagat, monks and nuns in Sangha devoted their lives and as a Buddha Sangha and to the Buddhist people. It is mainly respect the lay people offered them food, clothes etc for celebrated during ‘ Dharma’ on Shrawan month their livelihood and survival of the sangha. (August). Generally, the word ‘Pancha Dana’ is derived There are 6 fold path of perfection of virtue (Paramita) in from words like Parjaran, Punyaja or Pindaja (Balls of Mahayana Tradition for the progression to enlightenment. boiled rice) or Pandajuja (Buddhist priest rice). Lay They are Dana, Sila, Chayanti, Birya, Dhayana and Pragya. Buddhists believe that offering Pancha Dana to monks Similarly in Tadition there are 10 fold path i.e. and priests will bring public welfare, health, long life and Das Parmita, which are: Dana, Sila, Naiskra, Pragya, Birya, peace. It is mentioned in that offering rice/ Chayanti, (truth), Adhisthan, Maitriya and rice pudding in a bowl to Sambuddha and his Sangha will Upechchya. bring great . This practice is ongoing till now in many sects of Buddhism. In Theravada tradition, offering of In both traditions Dana is the first and foremost path to rice to monks in their bowl is always carried out first in lead oneself towards liberation or achieve bothisatwahood. the special occasion of Kathina Chibar Dana. Buddha gave special importance to the practice of giving (danakatha) in his teaching. According to Sutta, Types of Pancha Dana whenever the Buddha gave teaching to an audience who Buddhists in Nepal make Pancha Dana to Dipankar had never heard him to teach before, he had always Tathagat in the form of worships and to Bajracharya priests emphasised the importance of giving. Only after the people and Shakyas for the sake of peace and welfare of society, had appreciated the virtue of Dana he would teach other country and the world. There are mainly 5 types of Pancha aspects of Dharma like morality, the law of karma, benefits Dana practiced in Nepal. They are as follows: of renunciation etc. Only when these teachings have made 1.Regular or Annual Pancha Dana impact he would teach etc. 2.Voluntary or Optional Pancha Dana Pancha Dana 3.Celebratory or Special Ritual Pancha Dana Panch Dana is attributed to Dipankar Buddha as he taught 4. Dana people that Dana is the first and foremost act towards 5.Voluntary or Optional Samyak Dana achieving liberation. Because of his emphasis on Dana his followers started the tradition of Pancha Dana to celebrate Regular or Annual Pancha Dana this noble act of generosity and pay tribute to him. It is This is the main tradition of Pancha Dana which is believed that Gotama Buddha was a rich bramin called popularly known as “Parjran” in Newar community in Sumedha in Dipankar Buddha’s time. He donated all his whole Nepal. This occasion is celebrated once every year wealth to eliminate poverty of people and become a monk during “ Gunla Dharma” in the month of Shrawan. This under Dipankar Buddha. Due to this pure Dana he practice of offering is considered fruitful because it makes attained the first foresight of enlightenment and Dipenkar the habit of offering which generate compassion. This Buddha predicted that he would be the fully enlightened type of Dana is associated with Gunla Dharma as Gunla one in his next life. So it was because of fulfilment of Dharma is very important and auspicious in Buddhist Dana parmita Sumedha was reborn as prince Siddhartha tradition with generosity through offerings as merit and became Gothama Buddha. In Buddhism it is always marking. This occasion is celebrated in Kathamandu, Patan, taught that the fulfilment of Dana parmita paves ways in and Bhaktapur in different times with different occasions. fulfilling other parmitas to attain in this life Along with Pancha Dana various other important or in next life. occasions are also celebrated during Gunla Dharma. They Thus, the tradition of offering in the time of Dipankar are: Buddha was celebrated in the name of Pancha Dana which Worship of Baha and Bahis (Bapuja) continues till today. In Sarbanand Jatak, it is mentioned Festival of lights (Mataya) that the king of Dipawati City and a woman called Laxmi Displaying of the Buddhist Deities, Arts, and Sculptures Thanku of Guite Tole, Lalitpur first offered Pancha Dana in Baha and Bahjis (Baidhyo) to Dipankar Buddha. Since then this tradition continued and every year lay followers (mainly Mahayana Buddhists) Worship of Buddha (Buddha Puja) Making Model Chaityas (Luchidhyo thaya)

5 Lumbini May 2015 Observance of the Eight Day or Astami Vrata (Uposdh sacrifice for the sake of public welfare and peace. In Brath) Kathmandu it is celebrated every 12 year at Swyambu Buddhist Childrens’ Fast (Sinka Dhalan) Bhuikhel during Makar Sankranti by Samyak Maha Dana Reciatation of nine scriptures (Nawa grantha path) . Similarly, it is celebrated every 5 year in Patan (Lalitpur) at Nagbahal by a Guthi called Hiranyabarna Voluntary or Optional Pancha Dana Mahabihar Samyak Dana Guthi in Falgun Sukla This type of Pancha Dana is celebrated in the name of Chathuthi. In Bhaktapur this occasion is celebrated every “Nava Dana” or “Naraa”. In this Dana, a devoted donor year by Sakotha Tariche Guthi in Magh Sankranti at organises a special occasion on a special day to offer nine Thathu Bahi Bhuikhel. In these occasions images and idols different offerings for the sake of public welfare with great of Dipankar Thathagat and Aarya Tara are brought from compassion. It is written in Buddhist text that different participating Baha and Bahis for display with Bodhisatwas have to fulfil Dana Parmita by offering their full of decorations and lined on chronological order. In nine belongings in order to progress to attain Bodhigyan. these occasions in all three cities, the devotees also offer In Buddhist text Bodhisatwa Bhumi the names of nine puja and devotions to Chaityas and image of Haibajra offerings are mentioned as follows: Nairatma as their main deity (Kula Devta). At the end of 1.Swavab Dana the occasion the organisers offer Samyak Bhojan to the devotees as a token for accepting the Dana. 2.Sarba Dana 3.Duskar Dana Voluntary or Optional Samyak Dana 4.Sarbtomukh Dana This type of Dana is organised by the devotees on auspicious occasions by offering one part of his/her earning 5.Satpurush Dana from his/her occupation to build the monastery, , 6.Sarbakar Dana chaitya, or images of Dipankar Thathagata; to renovate 7.Vidyatarthik Dana baha, bahis and artefacts; to write, publish, translate 8.Ehamutrasukha Dana Buddhist literatures, text etc; and to preserve and promote 9.Bisudha Dana Buddhist arts and cultures to spread Buddha’s teachings on peace and enlightenment. Celebratory or Special Ritual Pancha Dana Conclusion This type of Pancha Dana is mainly celebrated by the donor to coincide with other special occasions such as Rice Pancha Dana is a unique culture in Buddhist tradition in feeding ceremony (Pasni), Marriage, Bratbandha, Kathmandu valley. This is celebrated with a view to benefit Vimratharothan (Janko), or Death anniversary. The aim all mankind in one way or other. There is no doubt in behind this occasion is to generate merits for the sake of believing that giving away ones’ belongings to others will the welfare and happiness of the people of the family of benefit both as the giver gets merits and the receiver gets the donor including those who passed away. The donor the materials for the betterment. They are both to be organises Pancha Dana in his/her respective Baha/Bahi by grateful for this practice, as the giver gets merit because of inviting his/her relatives to join the occasion to offer to acceptance of his giving by the receiver. If the receiver rejects senior Buddhist priests of different Bahha/Bahi who are to accept the offerings, the opportunity to gain merit will invited to accept the Dana. The occasion is ended with a be lost. So it is the receiver also who plays a very important feast to all participants to express thanks for accepting the part. However, the core part of Dana is the absence of offerings. intention of any return in the whole process of Dana. It is the law of Karma which plays the role in this act of Samyak Dana generosity. Buddhas promote this practice by accepting This occasion is celebrated periodically by local people by offerings from lay people and giving the teaching as their offering puja and devotion to Amitabh Buddha, Dipankar act of Dana so that it generates compassion and gain the Buddha, Aarya Tara, and Dana to all Buddhists monks, merits in the lives. Buddhas insist that dana is the first and nuns and priests whoever comes to accept the offerings. foremost action towards the attainment of further The Dana is open to all Buddhists mainly Bajracharyas development in spiritual practice as it is a powerful antidote and Shakyas, and to all devotees who want to make of sufferings arising from desire, craving, clinging and so offerings in this occasion. The devotees mainly offer rice on. 'ssssssssss!' with betel nuts (Gwedan), (Kisali), flowers and fruits to In Buddhist text it is mentioned that Dana~ D. will II. bring156 Dipankar Buddhas and Aarya Tara along with rice, rice public welfare and peace in country and the donor will puddings, lentils, bitten rice, salt and many other edible benefit from long and healthy life, gaining wealth and things to all who are sitting to accept the offerings. Some intelligence, peace and prosperity in family and ultimately devotees also offer his or her valuable assets like gold, land, progress towards attaining or Arhantship in house etc. in this occasion with great compassion and this very life or in next life.

May 2015 Lumbini 6 Prince Siddhattha Saved the Swan " Sujankirti Bhante, UK A long time ago, there was a Prince called Siddhartha in No, it’s mine. an ancient city of Kapilavatthu (Kapilvastu) near Himalaya. It’s mine!!! Prince Siddhartha was very kind hearted, friendly and No one was ready to give up. So, Prince Siddhartha hospitable to everyone. He never insulted anyone. He was suggested, ‘Why don’t we go and ask the Wise for help very generous and always helped people in need. He also and find out who does the swan belong to? ‘ loved animals and often played with them. Prince Devadatta agreed with him, ‘FINE’!!! One day, Prince Siddhartha went out with his friends. Prince Ananda, Mahanama At the meeting the topic of and Upali also joined in with the dispute was: “Who does this event. Prince Siddhartha’s the swan belong to?” close cousin, Prince Devadatta There were two different and also joined on the day. Even opposing views. According to though they were both the Law of Kingdom, the cousins, they were very swan rightfully belonged to different. Their characters, the person who shot it. No, manners and behaviors were said the opposition, the swan very different. Prince should belong to the person Devadatta was not a good who saved its life!!! They could man. He had a very cruel not come to any conclusion. mind and unkind to friends. He liked to create troubles, They argued for a long time, but neither of them could easily got angry and was full of jealousy and envious accept the others opinion. But then, suddenly, a young towards others. man appeared at the meeting. On that day, they all went out to have great fun. Prince “Pardon me, my friends.” It was a young wise minister, Devadatta took his bow and arrow with him. He saw Mahanama. ‘May I be of assistance in finding the right something flying in the sky from the distance. It was a answer to this dispute, Mahanama asked? Are we not beautiful white swan. Devadatta took his arrow and shot talking about ‘Life’!!! Don’t you think that ‘life’ is precious it immediately and hit the swan. The swan fell down on and very important to the living? If the argument is the ground. When Prince Siddhartha saw the swan fall between the one who saved a life and the one who tried to down, he ran to the swan. It was hit by Davadatta’s arrow destroy it… Then, which one should the swan belong to? and was bleeding and crying in pain. Siddhartha felt sad They whispered with each other for a few minutes and and sorry for it. finally the judges came to the conclusion that, “The right The Prince gently held the swan, and comforted it, so it of the ownership of the swan should belong to Prince would no longer be frightened then pulled the arrow out Siddhartha.” of its wing. After that, he found an herb which would What!!!!?, Devadatta wasn’t happy. stop bleeding and would heal the wound. He applied this medicinal herb to the wound. Prince Devadatta was very ‘Thank you for your kindness,’ said Prince Siddhartha. angry at Siddhartha’s action and demanded that he gave When the discussion between the great wise ones had the swan to him as it belongs to him as he was the one concluded, Prince Siddhartha took the swan home and who shot it. took very good care of the swan until it could fly back to the sky once again. Hey!!! That’s mine! Give it to me NOW!!! Prince Siddhartha was born in 623 BCE in ancient ‘I would not’, said Prince Siddhartha and he would not Kingdom of Kapilavatthu (Kapilvastu) in present day hand the swan over to Prince Devadatta and replied: “She Nepal. When he was 35 years old he was known as the is injured”. Buddha, one who knows what should be known and “But I’m the one who shot it!!!! Stop messing and give it always taught to love all, shared with others, respecting to me now !!!! friends and families, not speaking lies and unkindly words, ‘It is true, indeed, that it is rightfully yours because you and not eating or drinking things that clouds the mind. shot it. She is still alive. In that case, shouldn’t she belong The moral of the story is: to the person that saved her? All living creatures belong to those who protect their lives, But, it is still mine, I shot it!!! not to those who destroy them. 7 Lumbini May 2015 A Tribute to Luang Por Sumedho on his 80th birthday: " Dr Rasana Bajracharya, UK LLuang Por Sumedho, mostly known as Sumedho Western monastics from 1973. As he has great gift of was born as Robert Kan Jackman communication and leadership he was invited by Ajahn in Seattle, Washington on 27th July 1934 (age 80), a day Chah to establish a monastery for westerners near the local which also happened to be the Ashadh Puja of that year. village of Bung Wei. Thus in 1975, Pah Nanachat This is the full moon day that is considered to be the was established and he became the first Western abbot of anniversary of the Buddha’s first teaching on the Middle path and the Four Noble Truths. After attending the Universities of Washington and California, he joined the US Navy. He served for four the International Monastery. Wat Pah Nanachat was the years, from the first monastery in Thailand, specifically geared towards age of 18 as training the English-speaking Westerners in the a United States navy medic. He then did a BA in Far monastic Vinaya and practices the teachings of the Buddha Eastern studies and graduated in 1963 with an MA in in the simple forest monastic tradition. South Asian studies at the University of California, Berkeley. After a year as a Red Cross social In 1977, Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho were invited worker, Jackman served with the Peace to visit the United Kingdom by the English Sangha Trust Corps in Borneo from 1964 to 1966 as an English teacher. who wanted to form a residential Sangha. After observing On break in Singapore, sitting one morning in sidewalk a keen interest in Buddhism among Westerners, Ajahn café, he watched a Buddhist monk walk by and thought Chah encouraged Ajahn Sumedho to remain in England to himself, “That looks interesting.” This must be the for the purpose of establishing a branch monastery in the turning point in his life. UK. Initially Ajahn Sumedho was reluctant to take this responsibility as he was not sure how the English people In 1966 at the age of 31, he entered a monastic life and will react and how could he survive? Then Ajahn Chah became a novice or at Wat Sri Saket in Nong asked him one simple question “wouldn’t the English Khai, northeast Thailand. He ordained as a Bhikkhu people have good heart?” This indeed has changed there in May 1967. everything. Soon becoming a Bhikkhu he went to study and practice In 1979 the foundation of the Cittaviveka, commonly with Venerable Ajahn Chah, in a province to the south of known as Chithurst Buddhist Monastery was Nong Khai called Ubon. He was the first western monk accomplished with Ajahn Sumedho as its head. to be trained by Ajahn Chah in that monastery. Chah Subhaddo, alternatively Achaan ChahChah; (17 June 1918 – 16 January 1992) was an influential teacher of the Buddha Dharma and a founder of two major monasteries in the Thai Forest Tradition. The one being Wat Nong Pah Pong Monastery, where Ajahn Chah could teach his simple, practice-based form of meditation and the other is, Wat Pah Nanachat for the non Thai speaking monks. From 1967-77 at Wat Nong Pa Pong, he was rigorously trained under Ajahn Chah. He has come to be regarded as Ajahn Cha’s most influential Western disciple. At Ajahn Cittaviveka Monastery was the first forest monastery that Chah’s request he started to teach other newly arrived he established in England. During that time Ajahn May 2015 Lumbini 8 Sumedho was granted authority to ordain others as monks in daily life. His most consistent advice can be paraphrased shortly after he established Cittaviveka Forest Monastery. as to see things the way that they actually are rather than He then established a ten precept ordination for the way that we want or don’t want them to be (“Right women, “Siladhara”. now, it’s like this...”). He is known for his engaging and witty communication style, in which he challenges his As the Sangha kept on growing Chithurst became over listeners to practice and see for themselves. Students have crowded with monks and nuns this led to the birth of noted that he engages his hearers with an infectious sense Amravati Buddhist Monastery in 1984. Ajahn Sumedho of humour, suffused with much loving kindness, often was the abbot of Amaravati Buddhist weaving amusing anecdotes from his experiences as a monk Monastery near Hemel Hempstead in England, for nearly into his talks on meditation practice and how to experience 25 years until his retirement. life (“Everything belongs”). Amaravati is part of the network of monasteries and A meditation technique taught and used by Ajahn Buddhist centres in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, which now Sumedho involves resting in what he calls “The Sound of Silence”. He talks at length about this technique in one of his books titled “The Way It Is”. He had written several books and the one he likes is about the Four Noble Truths. He once wrote “I have always tried to be very faithful to the Four Nobel truths, as many of you are aware, because I found it to be such a profound and useful teaching. It always impressed me that the Buddha explained them in his first sermon after enlightenment and it is a perfect teaching. If all other scriptures, the rest of the Tripitaka and so forth, suddenly vanished out of sight and all we had left were the Four Noble Truths that would be enough”.

Ajahn Sumedho’s imminent retirement was announced extends across the world, from Thailand, New in February 2010, and he retired in November of that Zealand and Australia, to Europe, Canada and the United year. His successor is the English monk Ajahn Amaro, States. Ajahn Sumedho played an instrumental role in hitherto co-abbot of the Abhayagiri branch monastery building this international monastic community. in California’s Redwood Valley. Ajahn Sumedho now Today there are more than 10 monasteries founded under dwells as a “free agent” in Thailand and practicing forest his guidance all over the Europe, America, Canada and monastic tradition. Australia and the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, being Last year, on the 27th of July 2014, he celebrated his 80th the centre of the chain of the monasteries, under the forest Birthday at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery with about Buddhist tradition. 200 monastics and lay people. On that day he said to his Ajahn Sumedho is a prominent figure in the Thai Forest disciples that the reclining Buddha is now his Buddha rupa Tradition. His teachings are very direct, practical, simple, of choice, as the eighty year mark was also the time of the and down to earth. In his talks and sermons he stresses the Buddha’s Parinirbana, his final passing away. quality of immediate intuitive awareness and the Luang Por Sumedho intends to further reflect on his integration of this kind of awareness into daily life. Like eightieth year by going pilgrimage to where most teachers in the Forest Tradition, Ajahn Sumedho he would like to contemplate on death, liberation and tends to avoid intellectual abstractions of the Buddhist as this is the place where The Buddha teachings and focuses almost exclusively on their practical attended Parinirbana. Sadhu... Sadhu.... Sadhu.... applications, that is, developing wisdom and compassion

9 Lumbini May 2015 Bubaha: – Yashodhara Mahavihar " Vinaya Dhakhwa of Bahas and Bahis in Kathmandu Valley have in Vihars. They consider home as a proper place to exercise received far less than its due measure of importance in Dharma insight once they recognize the essence of the extented studies on , though of course, Dharma, through the help of a Guru.

As for the origin of the Bubaha Sangha is concerned the study team did not find any direct evidence on the date of its establishment. The inscription date N.S. 218 is the earliest inscription mentioning the name of Yashodhar Mahavihar. But there is a mention of Brivihara, possibly indicating Buvihar (Bubahal) in an old manuscript of N.S 243 named Panchrasha preserved in the National Archives. Dealing with the colophone in the manuscript Petech, in his book Medieval History of Nepal confers with the version that Brivihara is Bubahal. It is possible that the who is well known as Skugat Sashana Pakshapati. In Bubahal the chaitya which is located in front of the main temple of Bubahal is of the Likshavi Period and is considered the main monument of the Sangha Vrisha Deva who is also believed to have established other viharas like Subaha in Patan. Bidhadhar and the his descendants were belived to be another renovetors of Yashodhara Maha Vihara. There is no evidence to deny the possibility that Bubahal was established during Lichhavi Period. From the above discussions the reserchers come to infer that Bubahal Sangha was established by Brisha Deva. Excerpt: Dr. Bajra Raj Shakya, Photo: Rahul Muni Bajracharya

the Vihars have often attracted the attention of the scholars. In general Sangha means the organization of the monks of a vihara to enforce the vinaya rules among the monks and of facilitate the dharma practice and Dharma preaching. Lay Buddhists of different castes come to vihara to be in contact with Bhikshu Sangha to listen to , to participate in religious and cultural activities and to offer dana to the Bhikshu Sangha and the lay Buddhists visiting the Vihar constitute a Buddhist Community of the locality.

In Nepal Bahas and Bahis Sangha refer to an organization of Sakyas and Bajracharyas. Sakyas and Bajracharyas are regarded as monks according to the decree issued by King Jayasthiti Mall. They do not fall under any caste category. Formally any aspirant belonging to any caste was entitled to be initiated as Sakyas and Bajracharyas. Sakyas and Bajracharyas take the vows of Boddhistwa and practice the Bodhicharya living with a family at home. Those with initiation of higher practice such yoga at home and

May 2015 Lumbini 10 ‘Meditation’ a simple approach to peace " Ram Thapaliya, London

The tradition of ‘Meditation’ also known as ‘Dhyana’ in practice taught to us by Lord Buddha in this short article. Sanskrit is age old practice in which we contemplate on The meditation method taught by Buddha is different in what is happing inside and the outside of the world we many ways as the teaching is most practical and can be live. The main focus is on endless thoughts, desires, angers, practiced by anyone, regardless of their understanding of aversion, hatred, love which flows on and on every the Dharma, the teaching of Buddha. There is no need moment of our life. Our life is entangled with full of for us to stay austere, but take enough and healthy food problems. There are always problems or issues that bother that is required for us to sustain our body. We can meditate us in our workplace or business or home. We are now anywhere, anytime and in any posture for any length of living in a modern age of information and time. One does not even need to be Buddhist or belong communication. We are directly or indirectly affected by to a religious sect to meditate. Because of this flexibility the events or accidents or incidents in our neighbourhood, this practice is popular in the Western world, especially town, city, country or any part of the world. people in various professions, whose work is stressful. We are affected by good deeds and progress or bad deeds There are many practice traditions or down fall of our loved ones or someone we know. It is in the world. ‘Vipassana’ or insight meditation is the most natural for us to want to make progress when someone is popular and useful one for everyone. The meaning of doing so well and we, naturally, feel sad when there is insight meditation is ‘go inside and look’. trouble or problem to our friends or family. Progress and Our Mana (thoughts) are like a foal which is always unstable regress, happiness and sadness, accidents, events, birth or (Chanchal), jumping from here to there until it goes to death are law of the nature. This process of birth and death sleep. In Sanatan tradition and Buddhist scriptures continues in the world we live in whether we want or not, Chanchal Mana is compared with mad monkey. We are whether we are sad or happy. Most people cannot accept pondering in all the happenings and we don’t know that the law of the nature and be destabilised. our mind is very unstable, jumping form one thought to We are mostly observing the peripheral activities and events. another, one desire to another, one emotion to another We are interested in what others are doing, commenting and so on. Insight meditation is a practice in which we try on others activities, others weakness or strength, but never to investigate, evaluate, monitor and understand why all find time to look into ourselves what is happening in our these thoughts of anger, aversion, greed, hatred, good own live, why it is happening? Why we are destabilised by feeling, bad feeling arises in our mind. Vipassana external activities? What is my purpose of living? Why we meditation helps us to gradually detach us from all this feel anger, aversion, greed, hatred? Why we have love or chain of thoughts and helps us to reduce anger, hatred, desire? The question is can we find answers to all the things aversion, greed. It helps us to establish a sublime state of that are happening inside or outside of us? As we are unable mind free from all attachments. to find answers to these questions, we are affected by every We cannot understand meditation by reading books or big or small event that is happening around us. We do not listening to lectures or sitting in classroom but we have to find time to look into ourselves; investigate our ‘Chitta’ practice it and we have to practice it on a regular basis. We consciousness of mind or ‘Mana’ a thought that I want can learn about the techniques of meditation from class this, I like this, I don’t like this or so on. Meditation room lectures or talks from a teacher or from books and helps us to learn about the ‘Chitta’ or ‘Mana’ and detach articles. Our mind has been wandering around for many us from the happening both inside as well as outside our births or lives, so it is not possible to tame it by one or daily life. Regular practice of meditation will help us to two day’s meditation practice. We need to practice on a know that the event has happened, we will feel the effect regular basis over a long time. After every meditation the of the event but we are detached from it; we are neither unstable mind become more stable and the level of sad nor happy about it. consciousness increase gradually. Meditation practice is a tradition going on for thousands Most important thing in my experience is not to give it of years. We can learn from ancient books, scriptures and up because; I have now tried for a week and still no change, traditions that many sages or monks or priests are so I don’t want to continue. We have to keep in mind that meditating on their own way for thousands of years. I am old saying ‘Rome was not build overnight’. As a result of trying to explain my own experience of the meditation

11 Lumbini May 2015 regular practice and efforts in meditation, we start to feel scanning before starting is very useful. Once different, see ourselves and others in differently. We feel we are relieved from discomforts, pain and anxieties; we more compassionate to others. We naturally are can start Anapanasati. compassionate to people who we like and meditation helps We start the meditation by focusing our mind and body us to be compassionate to people we don’t like equally. in the air that goes in and out of our nostrils in every Whenever, I got up from the meditation, I felt very peaceful breath. We can gently close our eyes. Then our mind and happy. focused in the tip of the nose where we can feel the air We do not need to ignore the worldly activities, but not going in and coming out. If it is difficult for us to feel the necessary to react positively or negatively to it. Just take air in the beginning, we can start by taking three deep the event that happened as it is. That does not mean we breaths, then start breathing normally. Slowly we start to don’t help others where possible but not to be unstable see and feel every time we breathe in and breathe out the because we are unable to help. Slowly we start to develop air. After a few breathe, our mind starts to dwell again in changes in our habit. We learn to appreciate or accept things that we need to do or things that is bothering us or others’ feelings, thoughts or way of doing things instead thoughts of some holiday or any other thing. When of having fixed mind. Fixed mind means things must be thoughts arise in our minds, we should realise that it has this way and it must be my way. This creates conflicts, arisen but should not judge it. We then say let go, let go which are hindrances to a peaceful mind. It is not an easy and let go three times and start watching the breathing. task to change our thinking or habits. It requires a great We can repeat the same process again when our focus is deal of efforts and practice on a regular basis. Every day, derailed and mind starts dwelling in thoughts. we can give up some of the bad habits, negative thinking We may get distracted by noise in the area during our and activities. meditation, for example a plane flying over, or a car racing There are different techniques of practicing meditation; or children playing and screaming or any other noise. We however the main object of all the techniques is to attain do not focus on the noise, we notice the noise but again peace and knowing oneself. The most popular and say let go, let go and let go three times and start focusing traditional way of meditation is lotus seating on a slightly in our meditation. In the beginning of meditation, when higher ground over a cushion or a mat. If full lotus position our mind is deeply focused, we may start to see different (Padmasana) is not possible, we can seat on half lotus figures or illusions, but they will gradually fade away with position, we can sit on a floor in whichever way is regular practice. Our mind and body starts to stay peaceful comfortable. We can sit on a chair or even stand or lie and calm. Anger, aversion, hatred, desire, unnecessary down on the floor for meditation. It is very important judgements of events or incidents starts to fade away. We that we have back straight whatever position we are can slowly detach ourselves from the everyday happening meditating. Straight body and head rested on the body, of the world. We remain in sublime and blissful state of neither leaning forward or backward, will help us to keep mind. Just to make it clear, detaching does not necessary our mind to concentrate on the meditation object. If our mean not taking our responsibility, not doing our daily body is bent or head is leaned forward or backward, we work to nourish our body or go under a tree and sit there start to feel pain and lose our concentration. for days, but not being worried about the success or Once we choose a comfortable position, we then need to unsuccessful. Meditation means being mindful of what we decide on meditation object to concentrate on. Again there are doing or how we are doing or speaking. It is about being are different traditions and way of choosing an object. mindful of the affect of our action or speech. One can repeat the name of certain person, deity, god, Vipassana meditation may not be fruitful if we are really Buddha or whatever they like. The other most popular tired from physical or mental work. Body scanning is more meditation object is ‘Anapanasati’ concentration on helpful in those circumstances. As discussed earlier, we need breathing. to find comfortable posture for this type of meditation. Before starting the Anapanasati we can give a few minutes Once we are seated comfortably, we then gently close our to look through our body. We gently close our eyes and eyes and start focussing from our head. We can focus on start scanning through our body from our head to toe every part of the head either internal or external, pain or checking if any anxiety, pain or discomfort is bothering discomfort. If there is pain in any part of the head, we us. If we have any pain because of sitting posture, we adjust analyse it and say let go three times and gradually repeat the posture to make it comfortable, if we have any anxiety the process moving to neck, shoulders, arms, palm, fingers, we just say to ourselves, let go, let go, let go for few time. back, chest, internal organs like heart, lungs then to This process is called body scanning. Five minutes of body abdomen, thighs, knees, legs, feet and toes. If we feel pain

May 2015 Lumbini 12 or anxiety or discomfort in any part of the body, then just participants to share ideas and transfer positive energy to say let go three times. This process can be repeated few each other. In the beginning, we may start meditating for times. Because our mind is completely focused in the body, 15 minutes and gradually increase the time. There is no our tiredness fades away. We can then start Vipassana lower or upper time limit for meditation, but very short meditation again. practice may not be enough to achieve the peaceful mind. Other very useful meditation practice we can adopt is We have lots of activities to perform on a daily basis. We compassionate thinking or loving kindness (Karuna or can add half to one hour meditation activity to our daily Metta Bhawana) before starting a Vipassana. In this activities. method we can start thinking compassionately to our Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society organises a closest family members first, then other family members, one day meditation and Dana offering programme on then friends, then work mates, then someone you know, regular basis. The Society welcomes anyone who is then people in your neighbourhood, then people in the interested in the one day meditation. Details can be town, city, country eventually to all people living in the obtained from the members of the Society or from its world. We can then move our compassionate thoughts to web site. There are a number of Buddhist Monasteries, other living being like animals, insects, birds, fish, etc. We temples, meditation centres and groups practicing and can then move to trees and plants thus covering all living providing teaching on meditation. It is important that we beings in the world and beyond. We can show Karuna to start with a short practice session in the beginning even if people we love, people we like or people we don’t’ like. we attend organised classes. We can show loving kindness by saying for example may Regular meditation helps us to keep calm and remain the person be happy, may the person be successful, may peaceful. It could help us to understand things at its face the person be free from suffering, may the person remain value instead of having our judgements. Gradually we start healthy, may the person remain free from anger, aversion, to identify law of nature and live with it. We cannot change hatred, greed or danger or any other positive statement others, but we can understand them and change ourselves we like to make about the person. Showing loving kindness where necessary. helps us to calm ourselves and remain kind and compassionate We slowly start to realise our own mistakes instead of person. pointing out others. Our whirlwind thinking process We can practice loving kindness at the beginning of calms down. Instead of being unstable from the past or Vipassana meditation or while we are on train or going present activities, we are able to observe them and let them out for a walk or doing things that does not requires great go. In my view meditation is a very good approach to deal of concentration. While we are doing some other jobs, peaceful life. May all living being be in peace on the mindful of what we are doing is much better than loving auspicious occasion of Baisakh Purnima, 2559th Buddha kindness or body scanning. Jayanti. Other popular way of being mindful is practicing walking meditation. It would be nice to have a grassy area for walking meditation but it is not essential. We choose a distance, for example one tree to another tree about 50 metres (it can be shorter or longer as available) and start walking gently in the ground. We concentrate on every lift of feet and feel the sensation of touching the ground again. We can repeat this process for about half an hour (it can be shorter or longer as needed). If our mind starts to get distracted we can go back to the sensation of lifting and touching the ground. When thoughts arise, we analyse the thoughts but do not judge about it and just say let go Meditation Class three time and start focusing on walking meditation. Date: Every 3rd Sunday, bimonthly We can meditate anywhere, anytime and any condition, Time: 9:30 - 15:30 however it is very helpful to practice under the guidance For further details, please contact the society or of an experienced teacher. A teacher’s instructions, visit our website: www.lumbini.org.uk guidance, encouragement and motivation are immensely All are welcome helpful for us to continue. Group meditation encourages

13 Lumbini May 2015 Lumbini Declaration

Lumbini Declaration of the International Buddhist Development Trust, Department of Archaeology of Conference on Promotion, Protection & Preservation Nepal in protecting and preserving the Lumbini Sacred of Garden, the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, to harmoniously promote awareness of both Buddhist Culture and Heritage archeological and spiritual values at Lumbini and other November 15-18, 2014 (B.E.2558) Sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal and worldwide; At The Lumbini Sacred Garden, Lumbini, Nepal 2) To work together with UNESCO, the Lumbini Development Trust and Department of Archaeology An International Buddhist Conference on Promotion, of Nepal in order to protect and preserve over one Protection and Preservation of hundred ancient archeological Buddhist Culture and Heritage sites in the Greater Lumbini Area jointly organised by the not yet covered by the current Theravada Buddhist Academy, projects by preventing the Lumbini Buddhist University encroachments and developing of Nepal and International Sitagu long term vision plan for them; Buddhist Academy of Myanmar on 15-18 November 2014 at 3) To avoid any Lumbini Sacred Garden, the misunderstanding between Birthplace of the Buddha, Nepal, multi-disciplinary expertise was inaugurated by The Right working in Lumbini with the Honourable Dr. Ram Baran stakeholders of Buddhist Yadav, President of the Federal monastic, scholars and Democratic Republic of Nepal communities as well as local and attended by over 800 communities, it is encouraged to representative members of the bridge the gap between these Sangha, cabinet ministers, expertise and work together with diplomats, archeologists, mutual understanding for climatologists, environmentalists, sustainable development of Buddhist scholars and journalists Lumbini and surrounding areas; from thirty-two countries including the Deputy Prime World Buddhist Heritage: Minister of Nepal Hon. Prakash Man Singh, Minister for Culture, 1) Being fully aware of the Pillar, Lumbini Tourism and Civil Aviation of need for development for both Nepal Hon. Deepak Chandra pilgrims and local communities, Amatya, Hon. Union Minister for Religious Affairs of to encourage scientifically informed sustainable Myanmar U Soe Win, Mr. Christian Manhart, Head of development in and around Lumbini as well as other Office and UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Buddhist sacred sites; UNESCO Asia and the Pacific Unit/ World Heritage 2) To urgently raise awareness of the danger faced with Centre Prof. Roland Lin Chih-Hung. At the conclusion regards to material culture for example, artifacts, of careful deliberations and successful twenty discussion manuscripts and wall paintings etc.; panels under the five main themes of (1) Buddhist heritages of Lumbini (2) World Buddhist heritages (3) Buddhist 3) To encourage the active participation, voice and legal culture (4) Buddhist education system and (5) right of all stakeholders, laymen and Sangha, in Environmental conservation in Lumbini, we have promoting programmes of Buddhist cultural unanimously resolved as follows: awareness and in undertaking planning for future or present participation or listing in international, national and local heritage organizations from Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini: UNESCO to regional bodies and local non-profit 1) Acknowledging the great work of archeologists, organizations; UNESCO, donor countries and the Lumbini

May 2015 Lumbini 14 4) To raise awareness through grass-roots initiatives (1) Non-intrusive, (2) Reversibility, (3) Shelter, with lay and Sangha participation through (4) Visibility, (5) Focus, (6) Access, (7) Ownership information-sharing mechanisms from information and (8) Authentic materials; That interventions portals to social networks to create a global Buddhist or new constructions with Buddhist cultural sites cultural awareness for preservation, promotion and should be tested against these criteria during protection of Buddhist values and cultural heritage. Heritage Impact Assessment; 3) That Buddhist Cultural Heritage is a non-renewable resource and that any excavation or archaeological Buddhist culture: interventions should use as advanced techniques as 1) Honouring the early Buddhist tradition of co- possible and results be disseminated and published existence with other religious traditions, to promote swiftly; the Buddhist values of tolerance and reasoning based spiritual enquiry in this interdependently existing 4) That the cultural landscape of Lumbini, Birthplace world; of the Buddha, is threatened by the high levels of pollution and that the relevant authorities take 2) In tandem with this to defend Buddhists from the immediate action to reduce this threat; danger of commercialization and unethical conversion in traditional Buddhist homelands; 5) That a separate fund for preservation, protection and promotion of Buddhist heritage be established; 3) In order to preserve the peace, serenity and moral values of the Buddha and the Lumbini Sacred Garden, 6) That an international association is formed to that all types of gambling and other activities that coordinate with all concerned to preserve, protect and devalue human dignity be absolutely prohibited from promote Buddhist monuments and sites; [See also the Greater Lumbini Areas and their immediate points 3 and 4 under World Buddhist Heritage] surroundings. 7) That development of course(s) on Buddhist monuments and sites for all students, and heritage management courses/programs for Buddhist monks Buddhist Education System: at the university level be coordinated and some sites 1) To promote a Buddhist moral education system in as teaching sites be designated; [See also points 2 and schools based on the and the 3 under Buddhist education] value of cultural heritage which in essence means 8) That, bearing in mind the multitude of projects enlightenment through education exchange; and plans which are being developed or implemented 2) To promote Buddhist educational programmes of in Greater Lumbini Area as well as construction of an secular and monastic institutions, non-profit cultural international airport at Bhahirawa which will multiply and educational trusts and libraries; the numbers of visitors it is urgent to ensure coordination to make sure that the Buddhist heritage 3) To encourage the formation of non-formal will be conserved, the development will benefit the education inclusive of Buddhist values alongside local community, the spirituality of the the Greater protection, preservation and promotion of Buddhist Lumbini Area preserved and the needs of the religious cultural heritage. communities and pilgrims taken into consideration, the conference requests UNESCO to take the coordination role; Environmental pollution: 9) That we appeal to the United Nations Organization 1) Recognising the unique character of the Natal to reactivate the United Nations International Landscape of the Buddha, that a comprehensive and Lumbini Committee under the UNO to work systematic survey of the Greater Lumbini Area be together in the promotion, preservation and protection undertaken,prior to initiating development projects, of Lumbini World Heritage Site. in order to protect, preserve and promote the region further; Done as the Lumbini Declaration of the International Buddhist Conference on Promotion, Preservation and 2) Recognising that Buddhist archaeological sites form Protection of Buddhist Culture and Heritage on this 17th living cultural landscapes, that any new structures at Day of November 2014 (B.E. 2558). sites are located only in areas of low risk to heritage and that they respect 8 design concepts: Courtesy from Bhante Bodhijyana, Nepal

15 Lumbini May 2015 dfgl;s lasf; / a4''''' wd{ (This is one of the prize winning articles (first) from Essay Competition held in Nepal organized by Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) in collabaration with Buddhist Youth Group, Kathmandu, in 2014. Such Essay Competition has been held since 2007 as a small step taken by us to encorage among the youth and to promote The Buddha's teaching in Nepal. LNBDS would like to express our gratitude to all our well wishers in making such noble task successful. ~ editor) " cdt[ sfhL zfSo kml;Soa, Go/f' 8] dg / dfgl;stf ;u+ kToIf| ;/fsf/] /fVg ] a4' wd { Ozf{ kj' { :jR5frfl/] eg/] dgnfO { OuLt+{ ul/Psf ] 5 . dflg;x? kfo| 57f} } ;tfAbLdf ha /fhsdf/' l;4fyn{ ] a4Tj' kfKt| u/, ] tjblv] dfgl;s zflGt / ;Gt'li6s} nfuL k|To]s sfo{x? ul//x]sf lg/Gt/ ?kdf dfgj sNof0fsf ] nfuL krngdf| cfOg/x} sf] ] 5. xG5g' \ . ;dfg cj:yfdf km/s km/s dflg;x?sf ] dfgl;stf efjgf gu/sf] ] dgdf /fu, 4if,] dfx]] h:tf ljsf/x? lg/Gt/ km/s km/s xG5g' \ . ;a } dflg;x?sf ] Ps } ;dfgsf ] dfgl;stf ?kdf pTkGg eOg} /xg] x'G5 . xfd|f] ef}lts z/L/, hGd csNklgo g } 5 . ;;f/sf+ ] lg/Gt/tf km/s dfgl;stfs } pkh d/0fsf ] lg/Gt/tf, xfdf| ] pGglt cjglt, ;a } of ] dg;u+ g} dfGg ;lsG5 . AolSt AolSt aLrsf ] ;dfg dfgl;stfn ] ;;f/+ ;DalGwt s'/fx? xf] . ;+;f/df AofKt b'Mvx?sf] sf/0f / sf ] ultzLntfnfO { g } /flslbg] ;S5 . x/s] dflg; cfkmdf} lgjf/0fsf] vf]hLsf] s|ddf oL ;j} s'/fx?sf] ;DaGw xfdL cbet' 5 eg/] cfwlgs' lj1fgsf wdu{ ?' /hlgzn ] To; } egsf] eGbf aflx/ st } geP/ xfdf| ] cfkmg\ } dg ;u+ kf ] /x5,,] dgdf xfOgg] \ . dflg;x?sf ] km/s dfgl;stfsf ] zId' cWoog af6 AofKt /fu, 4if] / dfx] cflb dfgl;s lasf/x?nfO { lgld6ofGg\ jxfnF ] of ] s/f' ks6| ugePsf‘{ ] xf ] . ;;f/s+ } pTkltsfn blvsf] ] kfg { ;lsof ] eg ] dfgl;stfsf ] ;sf/fTds lasf;sf ] cfwf/ dflg;x?sf ]] dfgl;stfsf ] cWoog ug ]{ xf ] eg ] zfob } klxn ] / lnP/ o; bMv' rsaf6| dSt' xg' ;lsg ] /x5] eg/] hj l;4fy{ clxnsf] ] dfgl;stf df sxL] km/s cfpbg} . eflts} ?kdf uftdn} ] ktf nufP pgL a4' ag ] / Tof ] kljlw| pgn ] hgdfg;df ;;f/+ hlt kl/jtg{ eO/xsf] ] 5, dfgl;s ?kdf zfob } sg' } kl/ klg af8F .] cglulGt dflg;x?n ] pgsf ] of ] kljlwnfO| { ckgfP/ jtg{ cfPsf ] xf;] . cl:y/ :jefjsf ] dfgl;stfn ] lg/Gt/tfdf z4' / dSt' cj:yfsf ] kToIf| cgej' u/ ] . dfgl;s lasf/nfO{ kl/jtg{ gxg' nfO' { g } oxfF dfgl;stfdf kl/jtg{ gcfpg ' eg/] gZ6 u//] pRrtd dfgl;s lasf;sf ] l:yltdf ku' .] cleAoSt ul/Psf ] xf ] . dfgl;s :t/df kl/jtg{ gcfpgsf' ] wd { / ;Dkbfos| } ?kdf /xtf] klg a4' wd { ;;f/df+ Pp6f o:tf] sf/0f / lgjf/0fsf ] cufl8 rrf { ul/g5] . wd { xf ] h;df dfgl;s lasf;sf ] pRr ;Defjgfsf ] kToIf| hg' s/fsf' ] hlt cefj To;sf ] cfj:ostf Tolt g } al9 xG5' . cj;/sf ] cEof; ug { cGo ;dkbfosf| cgofoLx?' / wdu{ ?x?' dflg;n ] dgnfO { slxNo } ;Gtit' kfg { ;sg] / olx sdn| ] ;Sg] ;d]t klg ;lDdlnt x'G5g\ . ;lx:0f'tfsf] o;eGbf 7"nf] 5g} klg . cflv/ eflts} lasf; sd| g } olx dfgl;s c;Gtli6sf' ] pbfx/0f cGo sg' wd,{ ;Dkbfodf| kfpg ;lsG5 / < hg] ef] pkh xf ] . cfkm;' u+ pknAw ePsf ] a:tn' ] dflg;nfO { slxNo} l:yt wflds tyf cWoflTds kultsf| ] nflu cGt//fli6o| ;Ddng] lrTt aem' g] . gof F / :t/Lo ;jf] / ;lawfsf' ] vflh] ul/of ] . ICARUS n ] xfn;fn } a4' wdnfO{ { ljZjs } ;j>{ i7] wdsf{ ] o;nfO} { lasf; eGg ] gfd lbOof ] . lasf; slxNo } k0f' { ePg . pkflw kbfg| u/sf] ] 5, hg' pkflwsf ] kIfdf dtbfg ugx?]{ k/fgf' ] lasf;nfO { ;wF } gof F lasf;n ] cfem] ndf] kfof {] . gof F gofF ax;' Vos+ wdg{ tf] / u?x?' cGo dtfjnlDjx?g } lyP . a4' t[i0ffn] lasf;nfO{ emgemg lasl;t ub}{ nUof] . z'?sf] wdsf{ ] dfgl;s lasf; ;usf+ ] ;dw' /,' zzSt / kefjsf/L| lasf;sd;| u+ bfhF /] xbf] { cfh ;;f/+ slt lasl;t eO;Sof ] . ;DaGwsf ] sf/0f n ] ubf { g } jxfx?nF ] o; wdsf{ ] kIfdf dtbfg dflg;sf] z'?sf] cj:yfsf] -afNofj:yf_ lasf;s|d / ugePsf{' ] dfGg ' k5 { . dfgl;s lasf; / a4' wdsf{ ] ;DaGwdf b:ofj:yfnfO[ { xg] {] xf ] eg ] $) sf ] bzsdf kUbf' ;Dd hLjg hfGg oxfF dg, dfgl;stf, o;sf ] lasf; sd,| a4,' wd { / Pp6f c;xh syfsf ] ?kdf k/L0ft eO;ssf] ] xG5' . clasl;t loglx? jLrsf ] cGt/;DaGwnfO { sda4| ?kdf hfGg cfj:os dfgl;stfn ] eflts} lasf;nfO { slxNo } k0f' { xg' lbg ] blvb] g} . xG5' . eflts} pknlAwdf dfgl;s ;Gtli6' ufleP/ cfpg ] xf ] eg ] Tof] dg g } dflg;df ;dflxt ;jeGbf ;DjbfzLn] tTj xf ] . dgs} g } clGtd pknlAw xg' ] 5 . em66\ xbf] { eflts} lasf; egs] } u0f,' wd,{ :jefjsf ] cj:yf cg?k' g } dflg;sf ] :t/nfO { dNof' sg+ dfgl;s lagfz h:t } blvg] cfp5F . hlt hlt dg c;Gti6' ul/g ] ul/G5 . olx dgnfO { cfTd;ft ul//fvsf] n] ] g } dflg; eof ] Tolt g } gof F lasf;sf ] >hgf[ xg' ] blvof] ,] hlt w/] } ;lawf' eGg ] zJb aGof ] . hlt kefjzfnL| dg dflg;n ] kfof ] zfob } sg' } Tolt g } w/] } bMv' eGbf oxf F cgf7f} ] xb' g} . dfgl;stfsf ] lasf;n] hGt ' hgfj/n ] kfPg xfnf] . aLh /fd }| ePklg df6fsf] ] u0f,' eflts} lasf;sf ] ult t /flsg] ] 5g} sL eGg ] klg nfUg ;S5 . aflx/L jftfj/0fsf ] kefj| cflbn ] To;sf ] pTkfbsTjdf ljljwtf eflts} lasf;n ] dfgl;s lasf;sf ] klg ;fy kfP lasf; lagfz cfPh:t } :jefjn]} ] ljz4' dg klg aflx/L jftfj/0fsf ] ;Dksdf{ lt/ hfg af6 kSs } hflug] ] 5 . cfhsf ] ousf' ] laZnif0f] ug {] xf] cfPk5L km/s km/s dfgl;stf ks6| ug ]{ :jefjsf ] aGghfg] eg ] lasf;sf ] utL clt 8/nfUbf ] 5 . xNsf dfgl;s lasf/ ?kL xG5' . ;;f/+ dgs } pkh xf ] . /fdf| ] dfgl;stfn ] /fdf| ] ;;f/sf+ ] cfufsf] ] lemNsf o; kHjngzLn| lasf;df kg {] xf ] eg ] 7nf" ] lgdf0f{ xG5' eg ] g/fdf| ] dfgl;stfn ] g/fdf| ] . blgux:;f' ] nxgf' ] la:kmf6sf] ] ;Defjgf 5 . lasf;df dfgl;s lasf/sf ] kefjaf6| oTysfd lgkfltgf,] 1 If0f If0f df pTkGg xg' ] htftt } bug' ]{ pJh]sf] ;fgf 7"nf b'3{6gfx?af6 ePsf] lagfz af6 hut May 2015 Lumbini 16 cgle1 sbfkL 5}g . ;Gt'li6 eGbfklg o; lasf;nfO{ ug]{ AolStsf] pTt/flwsf/Lx?n] k5L uP/ Tof] :jefjnfO{ ;sf/fTds ?kdf lng / pko'St k|of]hgdf Nofpg /fd|f] ;Dkbfosf| ] ?kdf a9L kVoft| u/sf] ] kfOG5 . wdnfO{ { l/Gt/tf dfgl;stfsf ] cfj:ostf ckl/xfo { 5 . lbg ;Dkbfo| ?kL n67Lsf\ ] cfj:ostf ckl/xfo { klg blvG5] . ;dosd| cg?k' a:t ' / ljifosf ] kl/efiff klg ablnb+ } hfg] wd { wddf{ dfq l;ldt /Xof ] eg ] o:sf ] cfo ' klg l;ldt xg' xG5' . pbfx/0fsf ] nflu klxn ] Aofkf/nfO { gfkmf / gfS;fgsf] ] hfG5 . ;do kl/l:ylt cg;f/' o;df lastLx?[ klg ld;fj6 laifodf dfq slGb] t| u//] xl/GYof] ] eg ] cfh o;df ;jf,] ;ljwf' xb' } g } hfG5 . of ] sd| /fSg] ' c;ej+ kfo| g } xG5' . laleGg / OdfGbfl/tf{ klg hfl8Psf] ] xG5' . of ] OdfGbfl/tf{ x/s] ljifodf ;dosfndf laleGg wflds{ gtfx?] kfb| ef' j{ eP, pgLc?n] hfl8g] cfPsf ] 5 . OdfGbfl/tf{ dfgl;s tTj -mind factor_ xf,] laleGg ;Dkbfox?| NofP klg . ;DkbfonfO\ { dfuLvfg ] ef8fF ] hg' tTjaf6 cfhsf ] oudf' sg' } ljifo klg c5tf' ] /xg ;Sbg.} agfP . :jwd {] gLwg + >o] k/wd { eofjx eg/] cfkmgf\ ] wdsf{ ] ;sf/fTds dfgl;stfn ] x/s] ljifodf ;sf/fTds kl/0ffd tfl/km / c?sf ] wdnfO{ { xfRofpg] vfh] ] klg . ofjt hLj ] ;v' + Nofp5F . To;n} ] t cfhsf ] ljZjdf x/s] Ifqdf] sfobIftf{ / hLj ] C0f + sTjf[ 3t[ + lkj4] eGg ] vfnsf ] C0f sf9/] ePklg cfkm' pRr pTkfbsTjsf ] nflu dfgl;s klzIf0f| lbg ] sfosf{ ] sd| ;v' ;u+ hLpg ' k5 { eGg ] last[ dfgl;stf ePsf cwflds{ a9sf] ] kfOG5 . dfgl;s lasf;sf ] kultsf| ] nIf0f ;aeGbf} ljrf/wf/fx? klg bvfk/] ] . 7nf" ] wflds{ ;hfn+ } agfP/ leq leq} klxnf AolSt :jodf+ blvg] ] s/f' xf,] lasf; jf eflts} lasf; cwflds{ sofsnfkx?[ ;rfng+ ug {] AolSt / ;:yfx?+ klg k9g t o;sf ] c;/x? -side effects_ dfq xg' . lasl;t dfgl;stf / ;Ggdf' gkfOg ] xfOg] . ePsf ] AolStsf ] dg ;sf/fTds ;fr] / sfolt/{ g } slGb] t| / dfgl;s lasf; / dfgl;stfnfO {{{{{ wds{{{{{ f]]]]] -:jefjsf_]]]]] kToIf| cu;/| xg' ] ub5{ . kl/k/ssf' ] ?kdf lng ;lsG5 . /fdf| ] dfgl;stfn ] sg' klg} To;f ] t ;Eotfsf ] z?sf' ] ;do blvg] } l;ldt dflg;x? dfgl;s wdnfO{ { ;2wddf{ kl/0ft ug { vfH5] eg ] g/fdf| ] dfgl;stfn] lasf;sf ] ;q' vfHg] df nfluk/sf] ] blvG5] . cfkmn' ] ljleGg cwddf{ . Pp6f ;fgf ] cfufsf] ] lemNsfnfO { vfgf ksfpg kof| u] ks| of[ tyf cEof;af6 kfKt| u/sf] ] dfgl;s lasf;sf ] kljlwnfO| { u//] hLjg bftfsf ] ?kdf Nofpg ;lsG5 / al:tsf al:t g} pgLx?n ] cfkmdf' dfq l;ldt g/flvsg hgdfg;nfO { klg :jfxf kfg ]{ hLjg x/tfsf ] ?kdf klg bVg] ;lsG5 . cfufsf] ] pkxf/ lbP . o;f ] u//] pgLx?n ] cfkmgf\ ] lasl;t dfl;stfsf] :jefjwd { t kfNg] ' / hnfpg ' dfq g xf ] . To:t } kfgLsf ] wd{ pbf/tf k|bz{g u/] . kl5Nnf] ;dodf u/]sf vf]lhlgtL / zLtn kfg,‘{ lehfpg,' aufpg ' xf,] sfOnfsf] ] sfnf ] kfg,‘{ cfuf] pTvggx?n] s/La ^ xhf/ aif{ cufl8 klg x8Kkf / agfpg ' xf ] . cTtgf ] :jefj wf/tL lt wDd,+ h;n ] h:tf] dlxGbfw/f] 2 eGg ] :yfgsf dflg;x? cfkmgf\ ] dfgl;stfdf ;wf/' :jefj wf/0f u5 { To;sf ] wd { ;flx] ;flx] g } xG5' . ;fwf/0ftof Nofpg of]u Wofg / >dg k/Dk/fsf] cjnDjg uy]{ eGg] wd { zAbn ] szn' / cszn' dWo ] szn' wdnfO{ { g } OuLt+ tYox? kmnf] k/sf] ] 5 . cfkmnfO' { kfKt| ePsf ] ;sf/fTds u/]sf] x'G5 . wDd+ /Svlt wDdrf/L eg]/ ;b\wd{ cfr/0f s'/fx?nfO{ cfk'mdf dfq l;ldt g/flv hgdfg;sf] lxtsf] ugnfO{] { Tolx ;bwd\ n{ ] /Iff u5 { eGg ] cy { lbG5 . nflu krf/| k;f/| ug {' g } lasl;t dfgl;stfsf ] nIf0f xf ] . To; x/s] ljifoa:t ' / :jefjsf ] ljefhg u//] zId' ?kdf cWoog jnfsf] ljbjfgx?n\ ] vfh] sf] dfgl;s lasfzsf ;qx?,' hg' ug {] a4' wddf{ o; wdnfO{ { klg sf/0f / lgjf/0f ;xLt ;Id' w/] } g } kefjsf/L| lyP, cfh;Dd klg obfsbf kof| udf] g } 5g.\ ?kdf cWoog ug {] sddf| o ] wDdf xt] Kkejf' t;] + xt] ' tyfutf] o;/L kf/fl0fs} ?kdf dfq xfOg] Pltxfl;s] ?kdf klg dfgl;s cfx, t;] r+ of ] lg/fwf] ] PjjfbL+ dxf;dgf ] eg/] eujfgsf ] / lasf;sf ] sdnfO| { cWoog cg;Gwfg' ug { ;sLG5 . obfsbf jxfsfF ] wdsf{ ] kl/ro :jefj;o+ St' eP/ lbPsf ] kfOG5 . ?Ug dfgl;stf ePsf dflg;x?n] cdfgjtfsf] r/dtfdf /fhsdf/' l;2fyn{ ] ;;f/df+ clgTo / bMvsf' ] cgej' u/,] o;af6 ku' /] ;EotfnfO { laufg {] sfd klg gu/sf] ] xfOg,] o; ksf/sf| la/St eP/ o;nfO} { ;fwg klalw| agfP/ cgfzSt eP/ ;Dos dflg;x?sf ] ke| Tjdf' k//] ;LufF ] /fi6 | / hgtfx?sf ] dfgl;stf Wofg efjgf u//] cfkmdf' a4Tjsf' ] kfb| ef' j{ u/ ] . hGd d/0faf6 v:ssf] ] klg kfpg ;lsG5 . unt dfgl;stfn ] cdfgjtf kf/ xg;Sg' ,] efltstfnfO} { cltsd0f| ug;Sg{ ,] dfgl;s Ifdtfsf] lgDTofPsf ] s/fx?' Oltxf;df w/] } k9g kfOG5 . /fi6n« ] kTo| s] lasf; u/ ] . To;f ] t To;anf] dfgl;s lasf;sf ] sd| uPuh' sf]| ] k6s gof F zf;lso :j?k kfpbfF hgtfdf Pp6f gof F dfgl;stf t kSs } lyPg . eujfg a4s' } ;dsflng u?' labjfgx?\ klg lasf; ePsf ] kfpg ;lsG5, slxn ] dfgl;s lasf;sf ] ?kdf gePsf xfOgg] \ . jb,] afDx0f| wd { klg pRr lasl;t cj:yf d} t slxn ] lasf/sf ] ?kdf . dfgl;s lasf;df zf;sx?sf] lyP . l;2fy { uftd} cfkmklg} clelgleisd0f| 5 k5L cfnf/snfd eldsf' xfdL ;df6| czfssf] 3] zf;gsfnaf6 /fd/L| cWog ug{ / p2s/fdkq' h:tf laleGg u?x?;' u+ lzIff cWoog ub {} rfl/ ;S5f } . s;/L pgn ] r08fzfsaf6] wdfzf{ s] ePk5L ;Dk0f' { sf u/sf] lyP . t/klg cWoogsf ] prLt klalw| gxbfF' cfsflIft+ hg;dbfosf' ] dfgl;s :t/ pGgtLsf ] nflu sfo { u/ ] eGg] nIf kfKt| xg;s' sf] ] lyPg . To; ;dosf ] krlnt| cEof;x?df s/f' Oltxf;n ] :ki6 bvfp] b5F . hg' ed| -confusion_ lyof,] Tof ] k0f' { dfgl;s lasf; sf ] afws af4} hutn ] wdnfO{ { ;Dkbfosf| ] ?kdf eGbf :jefjsf ] ?kdf tTjsf ] ?kdf lyof ] . o;sf} ] leqL tx;Dd ku' /] To;sf ] sf/ a9L l:jsf/sf] ] kfOG5 . t/klg sg' } c;n :jefjsf ] kfb| ef' j{ 0fnfO { cltsd0f| u//] a4Tj' xfl;n ug { rfxGy ] l;2fy { uftd} .

17 Lumbini May 2015 To;sf/0fn} ] To;anf] krlnt| zf:jt6 blv] pR5bjfb] 7 ;Dd / eP/ lg:s ] . cu+ lndfn' h:tf s/'| xTof/f, czfs] / slgis15 sfd;vNnLsfg' of' u] 8 blv] cTysLndTyfgof' u] 9 ;Ddsf ] cEof; h:tf s/;'| ] s/'| zfzsx? o; wdsf{ ] ;utdf+ cfP/ kl/jtg{ u/ ] l;2fy { uftdn} ] . cGtdf oL ;a } klalw| Aoy { aem' /,] To;nfO{ eP/ ;Dk0f' { ;Tjkf0fL| klt| s?0ffdoL eP / cfkm[ dfq xfOg] Tofu/] dWod dfusf{ ] klalw| ckgfP/ dfgl;s lasf;sf ] pRrtd ;anfO} { dqL,} s?0ff, dlbtf' / pkIffsf] ] efjgf ug { clekl/t]| tx, a4Tj' kfKt| u//] l;2fy { uftd}}}}} a4''''' ag ] . Pp6f pRrtd u/ ] . klalwsf| ] kfb| e' fj{ eof,] h;n ] k/fgf' ;a } lzIff klalwnfO| { 5p] ;dosd| ;u+ } o; a4' wddf{ klg cfGtl/s / afXo kefax?| nufOlbP . sda4| / afwuDo] tl/sfsf ] of ] klalw| x/s] ju,{ kb {} uP, cfkm} cfkmdf} klg lavl08t eP16. ;;f/df+ gof F zfzs, kzf,] dfgl;s Ifdtf ePsfx?sf nflu crs' ;flat eof ] . gofF l;bfGt, gofF ;Dk|bfox? cfP, laleGg bjfjx? cfP, a4' wddf{ zLn cfwf/zLnf xf ] . k~rzLnn10] ;bfrf/L hLjgsf] dflg;x?sf ] OR5f, cfsfIff,+ ckIffx?] km/s km/s xb' uP} . t/ afXo hut -ks| tL_[ ;u+ tfbfTDo ldnfpg ;xfotf u5 { eg ] yk ljifd ; ] ljifd kl/l:yltdf klg a4' wdn{ ] dfgl;s lasf;sf] # zLnn]11 gLtfGt cfGt/Ls laz'l4 Nofp5 . ;lx arg, cfkmgf\ ] dn' dd { g5fl8sg] cfkmdf' ;do ;fklIfs] kl/jtg{ Aoaxf/ / kzf] zLn cGtut{ k5,{ h;sf ] ;lx cjnDagn] NofP/, pkfo sf}zNo ckgfP/, cflba'4 / af]lw;Tjsf] dflg; dflg; aLr / c? kf0fL| aLr ;fxfb} tf{ cleal4[ u5 { . cjwf/0ff NofP/ xf;] jf a4f' ] ejo] + hutf ] lxtfo eg/] dxfofgsf] o;af6 dfgl;s lasf/ sd eO { yk pRr:t/sf ] dfgl;s l;bfGt NofP/ xf;] jf ;jfksf/{] + hutf ] lxtfo eg/] jhofgsf| ] lasf; lt/ canDag xg' / ;dflwsf ] nflu nfos agfOlbG5. l;bfGt NofP/ xf;] jf dlt' ,{ dGq, db' f,| d08n cfkmdf' ;dfj;] lrTtsf ] r~rntf g } dfgl;s lasfzsf ] afws xf ] To;nfO{ u//] xf;,] hg' bz,] :yfg, ;dodf kUof' ] Tolx cg?k' :j?k zfGtkfg { ;dflwn ] 7nf" ] eldsf' vNb5] . lrTtdf ;lx Psfutf| u|x0f u/]/ hgdfg;sf] dfgl;s pTyfg ul/g} /x], hLjGt cfof ] eg ] hLjgsf ] jf:tlastf :k:t xb'F hfG5,} ;lx s ] xf ] / algg } /x ] . gkfnd08ndf] gjf/] af4} wd { -) unt s ] xf ] 5l6' b+ } hfG5 . cfkm' / c?df ;dfgtf blvg] yfN5, o; } pkfo sfzNosf} ] Pp6f pbfx/l0fo gdgf' xf ] . c?nfO { bfif] ykfg' {] ka| lt[ x/fP/ hfG5 . ;Aa;Ttf] sDds:;sf cfhsf] laZjdf a'4 wd{ cToflws ?rfOPsf] 5, o;nfO{ sDdbfofbf sDdoflg] sDdkltz/0ff o + sDd + sl/;lGt sNof0f+ cjnDag ugx?]{ lbgfglbg' al9g } /xsf] ] 5 . kfZrfTo bzx?df] jf kfks + t;] + bfofbf ela;lGt12 eg/] ha :k:6 xG5,' cszn' klg o; l;2fGtx?sf ] cWoog, cg;Gwfg' / cg;/0f' a9bf ] 5. sd { ugaf6{ 6fl9G5 . of ] dfgl;s lasf;s } nIf0f xf ] . dfgl;s lasf; ;u+ a4' wdsf{ ] ;sf/fTds ;DaGw g } o;sf] sg' klg} pTkGg a:t ' jf :jefjdf lg/Gt/tf xbF' g} eGg ] hLjg dn' sf/0f xf ] . o;sf} ] sf/0f a4' wd { laZjdf lg/Gt/ ?kdf / hutsf ] jf:tlastfnfO { “cxf ] bMv' ” eg/] hfg/] To;kltsf| ] cufl8 al9/xsf] ] 5 / al9g } /xg ] 5 . d / d/f] ] eGg ] cfzlSt (attachment) gfz eO { cgfTd efjgf lr/ + lt76t\ ' ;4Ddf ] ! pTkGg xghfG5' . sfo { sf/0fsf ] ;DaGwnfO13{ oyfy { ?kdf ae' m/] x/s] a:t ' tyf :jefj lagfzzLn 5, hg' lagfzzLn xf] (Footnotes) Tof ] bMv' dfq} xf ] eg/]] yfxf gkfpg ' g } claBf xf ] / o;sf} ] 1 wdkb{ 14 sf/0f aflsF P3f/ j6f tTjx? ;rfngdf+ cfP/ hLjg sdsf| ] 2 k~hfjsf ] l;Gw kfGt| lg/Gt/tf cl3 al9/xg ] xf,] eg/] oyfy { yfxf kfP/ cfotg / 3 ef/tjifsf{ ] ;dft,| O{ k' @^(-@@& . . cfnDagsf ] ;Dksdf{ ti0ff[ xfOg] k1f| hufpg ;kmn xG5 . 4 rfjfs{ l;bfGt sg' klg} a:tsf' ] :jtGt | cl:tTjg } /xg5,] k/lge/tfd{ } of ] hLjg 5 uxTofu[

/ hutsf ] sd| ;rfngdf+ cfO/xsf] ] /x5,] eg/] :j cgeaaf6' 6 OZj/{ 5 eGg ] jfb ae' mb5,\ t bMvrs' sf| ] gfz u5,{ wdrs{ sf| ] pbo u5 { . AolSt 7 slxklg] 5g} eGg ] jfb cfkmdf} a4''' aGb5 . o;/L txut ?kdf a4' wdn{ ] dfgl;s 8 sfd;v' df eNg' ] lasf; ;u+ kToIf| ;DaGw /fvL o;nfO { pRrtd tx ;Dd 9 dlStsf' ] nflu z/L/nfO { si6 lbg] ko' fpb5{ . o:tf ] ;DaGw c? sg' wddf{ kfpg ;lsG5 / < 10 lx;f,+ rf/L,] Jolerf/ gug,‘{ em7f' ] gafNg] ,' hf8F gvfg‘ Ok ''''' 57f}}}}} }}}}} ;tfAbL;tfAbL, hg' ;do ;;f/sf+ laleGg 7fpx?dfF w/] } 11 ;uLtdf+ geNg' ,' dWofGxkl5 gvfg,' pRr cf;gdf g;Tg' ' wfld{s tyf cWoflTds lab\jfgx?sf] hGd eof], laleGg 12 a4arg,' sdg{ } ;ayf} s] xf ] eGg ] cy{

;Dkbfox?sf| ] z?jft' eof,] oL ;adf} eujfg a4sf' ] lzIff 13 kltTo| ;dTkfb,' Theory of dependent origination cAang 7xl/of ] . dflg;x?sf ] hL1f;f zfGt ug,{ pgLx?nfO{ 14;:sf,+ lj1fg, gfd?k, if8fotg, :kz,{ jbgf,] ti0ff,[ zflGtdfu { lt/ pGdv' ug { / pgLx?sf ] dfgl;s lasf;sf] pkfbfg, ej, hflt, h/fd/0f pTyfg ug { ;kmn eof ] . To;n} ] c? ;a } wd { ;Dkbfosf| ] cufl8 15 ef/taif,{ ;g &* !)! a4' wd { Pp6f pHjn / rlDsnf ] tf/f h:t } eP/ cufl8 a9of,] 16 t]>f] ;+wfogf, ;d|ft czf]ssf] kfnf;Dd leIf';+3 !* rftkmL} { cjnDjg / cgdf' bg] ul/of ] . w/] } last[ dfgl;stf lgsfosdf laefhg eO;ssf] ] ePsfx? o; wdnfO{ { cjnDag u//] kl/:st[ dfgl;stfsf]

May 2015 Lumbini 18 /

Appeal for Nepal Earthquake Victims 2015

Lumbini Dana Fund was established with the sole purpose of providing help and support to those in needs. This year because of death and destruction caused by recent earthquake in Nepal the society is requesting all kind and generous people to be generous and donate to this worthwhile cause. We cannot do anything to what has already happened to Nepal and Nepalese people due to earthquake but what we can do is to provide help and support to those in need which are enormous. Hence please be generous and donate what you can. Any donations, large or small will be highly appreciated. Please be assured the entire donation will be used for the relief of earthquake victims in Nepal. Donation can be made by cash, online to Lumbini Dana Fund (Barclays Bank) Sort Code: 20-35-90, account number: 70165093. If you are making donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘LUMBINI DANA FUND, and send it to the Treasurer, LNBDS (UK) 14 Toronto Avenue, Manor Park, London E12 5JF. Thank you for your generosity and kindness Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)

~ LNBDS

Membership of the Society Members whose valued memberships are due for renewal and new members who would like to support the society by becoming a member are requested to complete the section below and return it to the society’s address 14 Toronto Avenue, Manor Park, London E12 5JF, UK with your cheque made out to Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) or LNBDS (UK). We very much hope you will support the society by renewing your membership or by becoming a member. Membership for 1 year: Individual -£ 10.00, Family - £ 25.00, Life Membership - £ 150.00 I/We would like to support the LNBDS’s work and would like to renew my membership/join the society. Name:…………………………………………………… Address:…………………………………...... …… …………………………………………………………………………… Tel:………………………………..... Email:………………………………………………………. I/We enclose the membership fee for the year of £ ...... to renew my membership/join the society. In addition, I/We wish to donate £...... Total amount enclosed £ ...... Signature:...... Date: ......

19 Lumbini May 2015 “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.” ~

We wish Happy Buddha Day to all on the auspicious occasion of BE 2559.

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May 2015 Lumbini 20 Letters to Editor

From: Tsultrim Zangmo From: Nyanarato Bhikkhu Dear Mr. Sthapit, Dear Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit, Please correct your kind article mentioning the murder Founder President and Editor, of Akong on 8 October 2013 in the The journal did arrive to me. I was thinking of thanking Lumbini magazine. you for it, but I missed to do it much quicker. Please Kagyu Samye Ling was co-founded by Chogyam Trungpa forgive me. Rinpoche and Akong Rinpoche in 1967 and not by Akong Anumodana for your work. And I am grateful for the Rinpoche's brother who is the present Abbot of Samya opportunity that I could share my experience with Nepalese Ling Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche. people. Through your encouragement, I managed to write Lama Yeshe is also Director of Holy Isle Project. two essays, the first one on patience some years ago and Thank you this current one. It helped me to ponder more clearly. I Tsultrim Zangmo shared the former one with some of my friends and they 21-7-2014 seemed to appreciate it. Reply: Venerable Gelongma Tsultrim Zangmo I hope your work will continue to contribute the society both Nepalese and beyond by pointing the true happiness My apology for delay in replying to your communication and harmony, the most precious. regarding our error in publishing the news about murder of Akong Rinpoche in our society’s 2014 issue of With Metta, Lumbini. I am grateful for your kindness in notifying us. Nyanarato Bhikkhu On behalf of Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society 28 June 2014 20:16:48 (UK) I would like to apologise for this error. We will From Jaya Chips- a Buddhist practitioner: correct the mistake by publishing your letter in the next Many thanks for your society’s journal Lumbini. I enjoyed issue of Lumbini which will come out in 2015. I will reading it immensely especially the article on ‘Healing send you a copy once published at the following address. power of meditation’ by Dr. Latha Hapugoda. I have given Let me know if this address is correct. the magazine to my sister to read as I thought she will Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre, benefit from reading this article. Many best wishes. Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Dumfriesshire, DG13 0QL, Jaya Chips. Scotland, UK

Condolences

President and all the members of the Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) would like to express our sincere sympathy to families of the followings. We wish them eternal peace .

Dr. Bhadra Dhoj Karki passed away on 3rd Mrs. Dev Maya Maharjan who passed away at February 2015 at his home in Manchester UK. He the age of 78 on 11 March 2015 in Nepal. She was was our society's life member and founder memeber the beloved mother of our Society's advisior of Nepalese Doctors' Association (UK). Venerable Bhikkhu Sujankirti. Mr. Giridhhar Manandhhar passed away on 26 The Society also would like to express our deepest February 2015 in Nepal. He was our society's life sympathy to family whose beloved family members, member. Late Manandhar was beloved husband of friends and countrymen died due to earthquack Mrs. Lochan Manandhar (life memeber) and brother disaster in Nepal on Saturday, 25 April 2015. of our society's long time well wisher Mr. Shashidhar Manandhar (life member). Anicca Vata Sankhara (All Conditions are impermanant)

21 Lumbini May 2015 LNBDS (UK) Activities and News 2014/2015

2558th Buddha Jayanti Celebration (Sunday, 25-5- Kathmandu. Following this SujanBhante conducted a 2014): Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) guided meditation after a brief explanation why we should celebrated 2558th Buddha Jayanti in the afternoon of meditate. Mr Surya Bahadur Thapa from Nepalese Sunday, 25th May 2014 at Harrow Borough Football Embassy spoke briefly and said we are proud that the Club. The programme started with Buddha Puja - offering Buddha was born in Nepal but we had not been able to of flowers, candles etc., administration of promote his teaching to the world.

(pañca-sila) and chanting by LodroThayeBhante in We also showed a DVD of Lumbini, gave time for Mahayana tradition. participants to ask questions followed by Paritran chanting and distribution of Paritran threads to interested. This was Venerable Bhikkhu Sumana, president of the society gave followed by light refreshment provided generously by an inspiring talk on Dana. He pointed it out that Dana members, well wishers and supporters of the society. On (an act of giving) with pure heart is beneficial not only to the whole it was a beneficial event. Mr. Rambabu Thapaliya receiver but also to giver. Receiver benefit from what he conducted the programme professionally. or she has received and donor benefit mentally from the satisfaction he/she gets by knowing that he/she was able LNBDS (UK) Meeting (Sunday, 17-8-2014)at to help someone whose needs were greater than his/her Shubha and Nani Shova’s residence in Southall: needs. Bhante quoted Bill Gates on this, “Happiest Finalisation of the first ever Pancha Dana Ceremony to be st moment in his life was when he was donating money for held on 31 August 2015 and reflection on Buddha’s a worthy cause.” advice on gratitude (kritagyata) took place in the meeting. The members took part in sharing their experiences on This year for the first time programme included recitation the subject which was considered as very interesting and from Dhammapada. Anu Sthapit and NaniShovaShakya meritorious. recited following two verses and Amrit Ratna Sthapit explained their meaning. Panca Dana, Offering of meal and Meditation, Sunday, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbury Vihara, London: “Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; through Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) love alone they cease. This is an eternal law. successfully celebrated Panca Dana, offering of midday meal to venerable monks and meditation on Sunday, 31- “Headfulness is the path to deathless, headlessness is the path 8-2014 at Kingsbury Vihara, London. This was our first to death. The heedful do not die; the headless are like unto ever attempt to celebrate Panca Dana in the UK. Large the dead.” number of Nepalese and non Nepalese attended the event Dr. RasanaBajracharya explained the Buddhist concepts and made it a success. We were honoured to have eight of Samsara (The wheel of Life) using power point Venerable monks from Sri Lanka and Nepal including a presentation. She explained this is found in most Tibetan visiting monk from Nepal. We are very grateful to all Gompas and Tankas depicting this is widely available in participants for making it a success.

May 2015 Lumbini 22 The programme started with administration of PancaSila, Buddha Puja, a brief talk on Dana by Venerable Sumana, president of our society and power point presentation on Nepalese tradition of Panca Dana by Dr. Dinesh Lal Bajracharya. This was followed by traditional dana offering of items of everyday use as practised in Nepal to venerable monks and offering of midday meal. In the afternoon visiting monk Bhikkshu Magar (Medhanker) gave a brief talk on his proposed establishment of 120 feet high Buddha Statue in Dhankuta to promote Buddha Dharma. This was followed by sitting and walking meditation. The day ended with Metta regarding how to make our activities better in future. BYG meditation and Punnanumodana (transferring of also showed keen interest to continue Bi-annual essay merits) which everyone including children participated. A competition which was lauched in 2007. It is also indicated joyous atmosphere prevailed throughout the day. We hope that BYG is willing to undertake any new project/s with to celebrate similar event annually as it done in Nepal. LNBDS in future to promote the teachings of the Buddha Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit conducted the programme in Nepal. professionally. One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays: LNBDS (UK) Meeting (Sunday, 9-11- 2014) at We are please to inform our readers that our society Suchita and Swayambhu’s residence in Kent: Dharma continued to organise regular one day meditation and Dana discussion on Paritran chanting generally translated as offering to Venerable monks at Sri Saddhatissa “protection” or “safeguard,” refers to the Buddhist practice International Buddhist Centre (Kingsbury Vihara). The of reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to ward last session was on Sunday, 1st March 2015. We plan to off evil fortune or dangerous conditions and Reflection continue this noble activity in the coming years as well. on the following (Meditation) took place: Please visit our website: www.lumbini.org.uk or contact “When you go to practice in the place of the Buddha, you the society on [email protected] for most up must not find fault with anyone; if you find fault, it is because to date information. you have not made peace with the world. If you have not LNBDS (UK) Meeting on (Sunday, 5-4-2015) at made peace with the world, it is because you have not made Dinesh and Rasana’s residence in Kent: Finalisation peace in your heart.” - Master Hua of 2559th Buddha Jayanti programme and 2015 issue of 150th Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala society’s journal Lumbini took place along with reflection (Sunday, 21-9-2014): Anu Sthapit, Amrit Sthapit and (meditation) on 'What should be the nature of the Dharma Shakya attended the ceremony to commemorate meeting?' “Among the injunctions of the Buddha for the 150th Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala the lasting welfare of the Sangha is that it should meet regularly, founder of the London Buddhist Vihara on Sunday, 21st in large numbers, honouring the elders of the community September 2014 PM at Hammersmith town Hall in and attending to the business of the Sangha in a respectful London. Huge number of people including diplomats of and harmonious manner. The meeting should be harmonious various countries, officials, members of various faiths and at the beginning, in the middle and at the end.” – Maha- well wishers from different countries attended this parinibbanaSutta ceremony. All speakers paid tribute to this great man and Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2- highlighted the role he played in promotion of Buddha 5-2015): Venerable Bhikkhu Sumana (President of Dharma not only in his native country Sri Lanka but all Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society UK) in liaison over the world. We felt privileged to attend this auspicious with the World Buddhist Foundation (Kingsbury Buddhist ceremony Meeting with Executive members of the Buddhist Youth Group (Yuva Baudha Samuha) in Kathmandu (Tuesday, 2 -12-2014): Amrit Ratna Sthapit and Anu Sthapit had a lunch meeting with newly elected executive member and past executive member of BYG in Kathmandu during their visit to Nepal. Relationship of LNBDS and BYG were discussed and ideas were shared

23 Lumbini May 2015 the ceremony. Fund raising for the relief of the victims also was launched and fund raising is continuing. Our gratitude to Piyadassi Bhante and other members of the Sangha for allowing us to hold the celebrations at this venue and for providing help and support. Our appreciation to all those who attended the ceremonies and contributed to earthquake relief fund and also to those who could not attend but was generous in donation to the fund. Vihara) organised Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting LNBDS (UK) Meeting on (Sunday, 24-5-2015) at Ceremony on Sunday, 26th April 2015 and Saturday, 2nd Dinesh and Menika’s residence in London: Society's May 2015 at Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist executive committee meeting was held at Dinesh and Centre, (Kingsbury Vihara), 309-311 Kingsbury Road, Menika's residence in London. Discussion, preparation London, NW9 9PE to invoke blessing to all the victims and job allocations were main agenda of this meeting for of recent earthquake in Nepal. A large number of devotees up coming Buddha Jayanti (). from Sri Lanka, Nepal and other communities attended News about Buddhism

The British Parliament Stops to Meditate – 30 May a more managed way, to present metaphysical foundation 2014: The British Parliament launched an all-party group templates for the use in urban design of the Lumbini given the task of exploring the uses of Vishwa Shanti Nagar and to create Lumbini as Buddhist meditation in healthcare, education, and the criminal justice teaching and learning city. It has been designed to be system. To mark the beginning of the group’s efforts, implemented in three stages including 2014 to 2020 in prominent politicians and public figures like former the first phase, up to 2026 in the second phase and up to ministers Lord Haworth and Jim Fitzpatrick came 2030 in the final phase. Its implementation is expected to together with advocates of mindfulness meditation, such cost USD 762 million. Source: http://www.nepalnews.com/ as comedian Ruby Wax, to experience the benefits of index.php/news/36026-master-plan-for-lumbini-world-peace-city- meditation for themselves. unveiled More than 95 MPs and parliament staff meet regularly Essay Competition - 23 August 2014: The Society for mindfulness meditation courses taught within supported an Essay competition organised by the Buddhist parliament, and from the sound of it, the effect these Youth Group (Yuva Baudha Samuha), Kathmandu. The courses have been having are pretty substantial. winners of the competition in the first place were Amrit At last week’s high profile event, several politicians spoke publicly about how these meditation courses have changed their lives for the better. Lord Andrew Stone, who was assigned to meet with Egypt’s military leadership earlier this year, told the audience that mindfulness meditation helped him to be compassionate towards all sides of the country’s deeply troubled political factions. “I didn’t know how to cope,” he explained, “but these practices made a massive difference.” (source www.doyouyoga.com) Lumbini World Peace City – A Master Plan - June 2014 : A master plan for the Lumbini World Peace City preservation and development has been made public at a program in Kathmandu. The master plan was developed Kaji Shakya, Phasikyaba Kathmandu; second place Jamuna under a project implemented by Korea International Gosai, Bhaktapur and third place Raju Shakya, Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Kathmandu The Essay Competition was participated by Tourism and Civil Aviation. The master plan was designed 17 and judged by 3 persons of the Samuha. A prize giving by Korean Professor Kwaak Young Hoon and covers ceremony was organised in Kathmandu on 27th December approximately 5x5 square miles of Lumbini. The plan 2014. No Society members were able to attend the aims to conserve the cultural and historic environment in function because of other commitments. Amrit Sthapit

May 2015 Lumbini 24 of the Society sent message of thanks to Yuba Baudha a cell ages - stayed the same length in cancer survivors who Samuha for their efforts. meditated or took part in support groups over a three- YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014: month period. On the other hand, the telomeres of cancer Young Men’s Buddhist Association of Nepal (YMBA) survivors who didn’t participate in these groups shortened organised it's 43rd Annual General Meeting in Patan. The during the three-month study. Association is coordinating with LNBDS in activities like Scientists still don’t know for sure whether telomeres are art competitions in Nepal. The Society’s President Sumana involved in regulating disease, but there is early evidence Bhante attended this AGM during his visit to Nepal. The that suggests shortened telomeres are associated with the AGM was attended by senior Bhantes and other dignitaries. likelihood of surviving several diseases, including breast Sakyamuni Buddha Puja, Teachings on Three Vehicle cancer, as well as cellular ageing. And longer telomeres are and 1000 Buddhas of the Fortunate Aeon - 8 generally thought to help protect us from disease. November 2014 : Very venerable Guru Chokyi Nyima Although this is pretty exciting research, it’s still not known Rinpoche out of compassion for the tens thousands of whether these benefits will be long-term or what’s causing devotees and for the benefit of all sentient beings performed this biological effect. Further research is now needed to Sakyamuni Buddha Puja. The main attraction of the find out whether these results are replicable across a larger program was the presence of the chief Gurujus from all number of participants, and what they mean for our health three traditions of Nepalese Buddhism, Theravada, Tibetan long-term. Source: EurekAlert Mahayana and Newar Mahayana Vajrayana and Mahaparitran at Patan, Nepal - 29 November 2014: represented by Ven. Jnanapurnika Mahasthavira, Ven. Venerable Bhikkhu Sujano attended Mahaparitrana Paath Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Rev. Buddha Ratna held at Patan Durbar Square (Mangal Bazar, Patan, Nepal) Bajracharya respectively. The program started with the on Saturday, 29th November 2014. This event was verse of auspiciousness (Mangal gatha) by five Vajracaryas organised by YMBA Nepal with the blessing from All clad in Five Buddha robes. The welcome speech was Nepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha. More than six hundred delivered by Mr. Kiran Shakya, a representative from people attended the function including monks, nuns, Lotus Research Center. Then Rinpoche imparted Five ambassadors of Thailand and Sri Lanka, officials and huge Precepts (Pancasila) to the devotees. Then Jnanapurnika number of devotees. Mahasthavira gave very exhilarating speech about the need to go forward from now on unifying all the traditions of Buddhism while giving up any sort of sectarianism. Then Rinpoche gave discourse on Three vehicles in a very simple and easy to understand language whilst Mr. Tika Sherpa, a chief translator of Triratna Translation Committee, translated Rinpoche’s teaching in a very excellent and easy to understand language. Then Mr. Milan Shakya gave a short introduction to the empowerment on 1000 Buddhas. At the end, Rinpoche kindly gave empowerment (ka wang) to all the devotees in ten thousands of number and blessed them. These 17 different organizations jointly organised the event and are united in solidarity for the spread of Buddhism. YMBA members gave Dana to all the monks and nuns 8 November 2014 World-first evidence suggests that and Thaina Misa Puchah provided tea and coffee to the meditation alters cancer survivors’ cells: For the first guests. Events like this helps promotes Buddha Dharma time, scientists have found clear biological evidence that among the general public. meditation and support groups can affect us on a cellular Vipassana Meditation for new government officer - level. Now researchers in Canada have found the first 18 December 2014, Nepal: One interesting event that evidence to suggest that support groups that encourage just happened was that Nepal Government made a decision meditation and yoga can actually alter the cellular activity to include 10 day Vipassana course in induction training of cancer survivors. Their study, which was published in of new government officers who have successfully passed the journal Cancer last week, is one of the first to suggest Public Service Commission exams. Right now 154 that a mind-body connection really does exist. government officers are attending 10 day Vipassana courses The team found that the telomeres - the protein caps at (90 in Budhanilkantha Center, 44 in Parwanipur Center the end of our chromosomes that determine how quickly and 20 in Lumbini Center). The program is an integral

25 Lumbini May 2015 part of staff college training program for new government With a typical schools days filled with mayhem, O’Driscoll officers. was skeptical when the San Francisco Public School District If this program goes well, many more government officers partnered with the Center for Wellness and Achievement are expected to join Vipassana courses in coming months. in Education to introduce a meditation program, called I was told that Judiciary is watching this event. If they “Quiet Time,” to four of its schools, including Visitacion find the result positive, a batch of government lawyers is Valley. As a result of meditation over a four-year period, expected to attend Vipassana course in coming months. suspensions decreased by 79 percent and attendance and academic performance noticeably increased. Source: We are eagerly waiting to see the result of this event. I will www.cwae.org keep you posted on this. (Personal communication from Mr Uttam Dhakhwa 18-12-2014) Ancient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy with surprises inside – Mon, Feb 23, 2015 expansion plan launched - 16 January 2015: The long-planned upgradation at A 1,000-year-old Buddha statue from China has revealed Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa was formally the mummified body of the Buddhist master Liuquan of inaugurated by the Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. The the Chinese Meditation School, according to the Meander project will transform the domestic airfield into a regional Medical Centre in Amersfoort, Netherlands, where the international airport. The importance of the improvement statue was scanned. The Drents Museum in Assen, plan lies in the airport's being the front door to Lumbini, Netherlands said the monk lived around the year 1100. the birthplace of the Buddha which has been rapidly gaining popularity as an international pilgrimage but suffers from poor access which has hindered further growth. The proposed airport upgrade is estimated to cost Rs 630 billion with a 3,000-metre runway and a capacity to serve 760,000 passengers annually after the completion of the first phase, expected to be complited by December 2017. Buddha Shape Candle Lit for World Peace – 03 February 2015. The residence of Kathmandu participated in a Candle Lit at Bashantapur for the World Peace. One Hundred

The discovery of the mummy is of great cultural significance, not only because it is the only one of its kind, but so far the only Chinese Buddhist mummy that is available in the West for scientific research,” said a Google translation of a Dutch news release from Meander Medical Center about the research. Erik Bruijn, an expert in and culture and a guest curator at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam headed this research. The endoscopy revealed that in the abdominal cavity where there had once been organs, there were instead an unidentified material and scraps of paper printed with ancient Chinese characters. The researchers also took bone samples for DNA testing. Thousand candles (Diyo) was lit creating a bright Buddha The Drents Museum says it suspects this mummy could in meditation posture wishing peace and prosperity in the be a case of self-mummification. The mummy is now on world. display at National Museum of Natural History in San Francisco Schools Transformed by the Power of Budapest as part of the Mummy World exhibition. The Meditation: Silence isn’t something people usually exhibition will head next to Luxemburg in May 2015, associate with middle school, but twice a day the halls of the Drents Museum says. Courtesy~ CBC News; https:// Visitacion Valley School in San Francisco fall quiet as the uk.news.yahoo.com/ancient-chinese- buddha-statue-mummy- sixth, seventh and eighth grade students meditate for fifteen 171117662.html?vp=1LpUSi85 minutes.

May 2015 Lumbini 26 “Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” ~ Gautama Buddha

“When you dig a well, there's no sign of water until you reach it, only rocks and dirt to move out of the way. You have removed enough; soon the pure water will flow," said Buddha.” ~ Deepak Chopra

We wish all readers Happy 2559th Buddha Jayanti!

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