बुद्ध जन्मस्थल बिषयमा केन्द्रित कुराकानी

An interview on Buddha born in Nepal issues

Nepal is the country where apostle of peace in the world, Buddha was born – Indian PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday won the hearts and minds of Nepalese people when he began his gripping address to the Parliament in Nepali language, recalling his previous visit to the country as a pilgrim.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by Subhash Chandra Nembang, Speaker of Nepalese Parliament in Katmandu on Sunday, August 3, 2014. Photo: PTI

Lumbini Nepal – the Birthplace of Lord Buddha (Video)

Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal, twenty five hundred years ago. Lumbini has since been a holy ground for Buddhists all over the world. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha.

An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. It has been well worn by the strokes of barren women hoping for fertility. To the south of the temple is a pool where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and given her son his first purification bath.

A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received enlightenment), and a newly planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquillity which bespeaks Buddha’s teachings. Lumbini is now being developed under the Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non governmental organization dedicated to the restoration of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site. The plan, completed in 1978 by the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, will transform three square miles of land into a sacred place of gardens, pools, buildings, and groves. The development will include a Monastic Zone, the circular sacred Garden surrounding the Ashoka pillar and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini Village, where visitors will find lodges, restaurants, a cultural center and tourist facilities.

जिम्मेवारीपूर्ण नि:स्वार्थ नागरिकीय जिम्मेवारीबोध – आजको आवश्यकता: सामाजिक अभियन्ता, इन्जिनियर रामकुमार श्रेष्ठ

श्रेष्ठ पछिल्लो समय बुद्धको जन्मस्थलबारे भैरहेका गलत प्रचार प्रसारको बिभिन्न किसिमबाट खण्डन गर्दै बुद्धको जन्मस्थल नेपाल हो भन्ने सन्देश बोकेर अघि बढ्नु भएको छ | सन् २००९ मा भारतले बुद्धको जन्मस्थल लुम्बिनीलाई आफ्नै देशमा जन्मेको भनेर नक्कली लुम्बिनी निर्माण गरेको समाचारले उहाँको मन निकै छोयो । उहाँ भन्नुहुन्छ ”यसको न त सरकारले खण्डन गर्यो न त कुनै ठुला मिडिया नै यसको विरुद्धमा लागे । यही सर्बपक्षीय मौनताका कारण भारतको रवैयाको विरुद्ध फेसबुक र इमेल मार्फत बुद्धको जन्मस्थल नेपाल हो भन्ने सन्देश दिने अभिप्रायले अभियानको नेतृत्वदायी सूत्रपात गर्न बिभिन्न देशमा छरिएर रहेका हामी लाग्यौं जसले छोटो समयमा विश्वब्यापी रूप लियो र छोटो समयमा अनपेक्षित उपलब्धिहरु हासिल भए । कोरियापछी स्वीडेनको पाठ्य पुस्तकमा बुद्धको जन्मस्थानबारेमा भएको गलत जानकारी सच्याउने जस्तो अत्यन्तै महत्वपूर्ण काम समेत भैसकेको छ ।”

डाक्टर अथवा इन्जिनियर बनेर देश र समाज सेवा गर्ने बाल्यकालदेखिको सपना बोकेका रामकुमार श्रेष्ठले १९८६ मा छात्रबृत्ति अन्तरगत रसिया गएर आफ्नो इन्जिनियरिङ्ग अध्ययन पुरा गरी १९९२ स्वदेश फर्केर बिभिन्न संस्था मार्फत काम गरी पहिलो पटक सन् २००२ मा अष्ट्रेलिया आइपुग्नु भयो श्रीमतिको मेलबर्न युनिभर्सिटिमा अध्ययनको सिलसिलामा | श्रीमतिको अध्ययनको समाप्तीपछि जुलाई २००४ मा नेपाल फर्किएका श्रेष्ठ २००६ मा बेलायततिर लाग्नु भयो र बिभिन्न इन्जिनियरिङ्ग कन्सल्टेन्सीहरु मार्फत आफ्नो इन्जिनियरिङ्ग कामलाई त्यहाँ निरन्तरता दिनु भयो | उहाँको जीवन यात्रा सन् २०१२ देखि पुन अस्ट्रेलियामातर्फ नै मोडियो र अहिलेको बसाई अष्ट्रेलियामा नै छ |

Final Master Vision Plan of Lumbini World Peace City Unveiled

June 27, Lumbini: Final Master Vision Plan to develop Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, as the World Peace City (Lumbini Vishwa Shanti Nagrama) with an estimated budget of nearly 762 million USD was unveiled by Urban Planner and Designer Professor Kwaak Young Hoon today in a symposium amid the major stakeholders in Buddha Maya Garden Hotel, Lumbini.

Tidbits of Nepali Journalism ‘’Buddha was born in ……..’’

By Chiranjibi Paudyal

That evening, Indian Defence minister Fernandes had hosted a reception in honour of the participants of the conference. When I met in the reception, he was little bit furious and adamant to his statement. We had arguments. I said ‘Buddha was born in Nepal’ but he said ‘Buddha was born in India.’ I asked him ‘’who told you and how did you know Buddha was born in India’’, he said me ‘’had read since his childhood that Buddha was born in Northern India.’’ I told him if you read UN documents then you will know the real fact. I was so infuriated that I said little bit loudly: ‘’ Do you know ‘’U Thant?’’ You should know UN Secretary General from Asia? Then he said ‘’ Why not.’’

So you must be aware that there is UN project in Lumbini which is in Nepal since the time of U Thant. When I repeatedly said UN Project then he seemed to be convinced, and felt embarrassed. I arranged an interview with him for next morning in the same hotel where we were staying. When we sat for interview, I asked the same question to him like a teacher repeatedly asks a same question to a weak student. Later he corrected saying ‘Buddha was born in Nepal.’

Famous poet Sir Edwin Arnold to UN official say Buddha was born in India distorting the fact and hurting the sentiment of millions of Nepali around the globe. However, I had the opportunity to persuade a senior UN official to make him understand and acknowledge that ‘’ Gautam Buddha was born in Nepal.’’

गायक धिरज राई अभियानका नयाँँ सांस्कृतिक दूत (Videos)

“बुद्ध वाज बर्न इन नेपाल” गीत बिभिन्न देशमा गाउँदै हिडने गायक धिरज राई क्यानडामा बुद्ध जयन्ती मनाउने क्रममा मनाइएको एक कार्यक्रमका बीच लुम्बिनी-कपिलवस्तु दिवस अभियानका सांस्कृतिक दूतको रुपमा नियुक्त भएका छन । अभियानका बिस्व संयोजक रामकुमार श्रेष्ठद्धारा हस्ताक्षरित सांस्कृतिक दूतको नियुक्ति पत्र अभियानका बिस्व कार्य समितिका क्यानडा संयोजक चन्द्र राई र अबैतनिक महाबाणिज्य दूत डा कुन्जर शर्माले संयुक्त रुपमा हस्तान्तरण गर्नु भएको थियो । त्यसरी नै हालै अभियानको सहयोगमा नेपाली संचारद्धारा बुद्ध र लुम्बिनीमा केन्द्रित भएर बिभिन्न पक्षबाट लुम्बिनीको प्रश्नमा सम्बद्ध बिभिन्न पार्टी नेता, कुटनीतिक नियोगका प्रमुख, बुद्धिजीबी, पत्रकार, कलाकार, बिदेशीहरुसंग लुम्बिनी र बुद्ध बिषयमा केन्द्रित छलफल र कुराकानीमा आधारित २५ घण्टे कार्यक्रममा महत्वपूर्ण र आकर्षक प्रस्तुती गर्ने १४ बर्षीय आर्य पोखरेललाई बिध्यार्थी दूतको रुपमा नियुक्त गर्ने घोषणा अभियानले गरेको छ ।

14 Years Aarya Pokharel’s Amazing Speech on Buddha and Lumbini

This video is the part of historic continuous 25 hours program on Buddha and Lumbini that was organized on the occasion 2638th Lumbini Day/ 2558th Buddha Jayanti/ 2603 Samuddha Jayanti of   jointly by Lumbini-Kapilvastu Day Movement and Melbourne based 24/7 radio Nepali Sanchar. 14 years old Aarya Pokhrel, Madhu and Laxmi’s daughter, is very talented girl and her amazing speech on Buddha and Lumbini must be watched

 

LKDM Friend of Nepal Award 2013 to Brad Clarke and Graeme Kent

Brad Clarke and Graeme Kent received LKDM Friend of Nepal Award 2013 on the occasion of 5th Lumbini-Kapilvastu Day. The award was given by Consulate General of Victoria His Excellency Chandra Yonjan in a function after Pako Festa parade in Geelong on 22nd of February, 2014. The award was supposed to be awarded on 1st of December, 2013 in a function organised in Melbourne, however; Mr. Clarke and Mr. Kent could not attend the program because of their program in Nepal.

Justification of the Award:

“Australia and Australians fall in love with Nepal, the birthplace  of Buddha and home to Sagamartha, Mt. Everest.  When Australians travel to Nepal, we are captured by the physical beauty of the Himalaya and its people.  We celebrate the wealth of Nepali hospitality and genuine kindness to each other and leg-weary travellers alike” – say  Graeme Kent and Brad Clarke.

Promoting Nepal in Pako Festa

We Nepalese are going to participate in Pako Festa – the Biggest of its kind in Australia – second time and that will be in Geelong on 22nd of February to promote Nepal as the country of the Mt. Everest and the Buddha. Nepal is one of the richest countries from cultural diversity view point. So come with your ethnical dress, if any and if you want, to make our participation more colourful and to show unity in diversity. Come with flag, musical instruments if you have any and show your talent.

Street stalls  9am-6pm Pakington Street, Geelong West.
Pako Festa Parade 11 am – 12 noon. 

Our order number in the parade is 27. This number is located on Waratah Street, Geelong West. Our group should be at the procession assembly point by 10:15 am. Our parade order will be like this: 

Fresh perspective as dig reveals 9 post holes in Buddha’s birthplace

Manoj Paudel

KAPILVASTU, FEB 09 – The recent excavations in Tilaurakot have led to the finding of not one or two but nine ‘post holes’, justifying that the supposed ancient Shakya Capital had been in existence well before the birth of Siddhartha, who later went on to become Gautam Buddha.

The post holes were found 50 metres north-west to the security walls of the palace remains. “The recent findings have provided a fresh perspective towards the ancient city of Tilaurakot, substantiating the historical significance of the city,” said Kosh Prasad Acharya, co-director of the excavation project and senior consultant archaeologist at UNESCO.

The findings have further excited the two well known archaeologists, Prof Robin Coningham, chief archaeologist of the Durham University, and Prof Ian Simpson, specialist of Stirling University, involved in the dig. The well preserved post holes had not been found in former excavations. The nine post holes that range from 15 to 20 diametres have been opened to public viewing.

LKDM Global Award 2013 to Nepali Sanchar Radio

‘Exciting’ Discovery At Buddha’s Birthplace

After a three-year dig, archaeologists may have found the Buddha’s exact birthplace and more details about when he was born.

Thai monks gather on walkways around the Maya Devi Temple, where archaeologists have been excavating an ancient shrine. Pic: Ira Block/National Geographic

The shrine is once thought to have contained the tree beneath which the Buddha was born. Pic: Ira Block/National Geographic

Even after Bedi Twitter apology, the first “Buddha” serial with misinformation

By Ram Kumar Shrestha

Creating misinformation on Buddha birthplace from Indian side is not a new issue and Nepali side is very furious from this kind of regular drama and attempt to take an unnecessary advantage from Buddha’s Global importance. A recent Hindi language television serial, “Buddha” launched by Zee TV Network already frustrated Nepalese by Indian over interference.

In reaction Nepalese did not limit them only in social medias, but also on September 13, staged demonstrations in the streets of Kathmandu against the serial, Nepal Cable TV Association blocked the channel when the new series on the life of Buddha premiered on Sunday (Sept. 8) and which prompted the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to post hastily the next day, September 14^th, on its Facebook wall, “The question of where Lord Buddha was born was settled over 2000 years ago when Emperor Ashoka installed the pillar with his inscription in Lumbini. Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in Nepal.”  And also actor and TV presenter and commentator Kabir Bedi Twitter apology appeared, “Yes, my friends, I mis-spoke. Forgive me. Lord Buddha was certainly born in Lumbini, Nepal. My apologies to all whose feelings were hurt.” And this issue got space in International papers like Huffington Post and Washington Post as well.

Lumbini-Kapilvastu Day Movement wrote letter to Chairman of Cabinet of Nepal Khil Raj Regmi, however; some Movement activists informed that when they had gone through the serials on line specially the first serial was very embarrassing because of not corrected misinformation. This clearly shows that Movement guess and writing letter to Chairman of Cabinet of Nepal were correct. And wrote another letter to him as our guess was correct and the scenario is changed now. 

Nun’s devotional songs take the Buddha’s message beyond Nepal

NEW DELHI (RNS) American guitarist Steve Tibbetts launched her career after the two recorded an album in 1997.

This year she was invited by Academy Award-winning Indian composer A.R. Rahman to sing “Zariya,” one of his compositions.

And at a recent San Francisco concert, American singer Bonnie Raitt told her she was one of her greatest fans.

For Ani Choying Drolma, nicknamed the “rock star nun,” singing and performing with top musicians is a way to take the essence of Buddha’s teachings to the world and help people in need.

“The Buddha said you have to be skillful according to the time, place and people,” said the practical 43-year-old nun.

In the past 16 years, Drolma has recorded 10 albums of sacred chants and devotional songs.

Full speech of Khil Raj Regmi in the United Nations

I bring with me the message of peace and non-violence fromLumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the apostle of peace, and the greetings and best wishes from the Government and people of Nepal. Nepal has an unflinching faith inthe principles and purposes of the United Nations as enshrined in its Charter.Nepal upholds the centrality and indispensability of the United Nations in forging global peace and security, development and humanfreedom as well as its role in the promotion of multilateralism befitting the need of our age.

Mr. President,

Mr. Secretary-General,

Distinguished Delegates,

Allow me to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the Presidency of the 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. I repose full confidence in you to steer the deliberations of the Assembly to a fruitful conclusion and assure you ofour full cooperation in the discharge of your important responsibilities.

I take this opportunity to extend sincere thanks to the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. VukJeremić, for having successfully presided over the Sixty-seventh session of the Assembly.

I would like to express my sincere appreciationto His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations for his able and visionary leadership and excellent reports on issues before the Assembly.

Mr. President,

I bring with me the message of peace and non-violence fromLumbini, the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the apostle of peace, and the greetings and best wishes from the Government and people of Nepal. Nepal has an unflinching faith inthe principles and purposes of the United Nations as enshrined in its Charter.Nepal upholds the centrality and indispensability of the United Nations in forging global peace and security, development and humanfreedom as well as its role in the promotion of multilateralism befitting the need of our age.

It is an irony that one eighth of world population has to live without enough food at a time when 150 percent of the earth’s annual regenerative capacity is being consumed in total. And, nearly one billion people will still be forced to live in extreme poverty by 2015. Looking at this unfair and unjust scenario, one can hardly envision global sustainability without a system of an economic growth and development that ensures the progress and wellbeing of people on this planet in an equitable, inclusive and judicious manner. We can hardly realize sustainable development when pervasive poverty, unsustainable consumption and production patterns and spiraling environmental degradation are allowed to continue.

IN UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEPAL MAKES RESTRAINED ASSERTION THAT THE BUDDHA WAS BORN IN ITS LUMBINI

[In the 68^th United Nations General Assembly in New York few days ago, Nepal somehow made a lamentably restrained lowly assertion that the Buddha was born in its Lumbini.  The Himalayan country’s Interim Election Council Chairman Justice Khil Raj Regmi in his address to the general assembly said, “ I bring with me the message of peace and non-violence from Lumbini; the birth place of Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace and the greetings and best wishes from the government and people of Nepal.” I rather would have loved him say  instead that he had brought with him “the message of peace and non-violence from Nepal’s Lumbini; the birth place of Gautam Buddha”.  But he did not say so and, which is very lamentable. We fully understand why he had required to make such a strangely twisted, indirect reference in his address but very sadly he failed to do so truly. ]

 By B. K. Rana 

While debating the Buddha and recent television serial on him and the news reported by Hindustan Times [1]  and also by The  Washington Post[2] and The Huffington Post [3]  from down here, it may be worthwhile writing something today again on the other 12 part Buddha film made by a professor of history from Odisha[4] who also had discussed with me after the publication of my paper on the Buddha birthplace on February 14, 2010[5]. I have no idea how he has made those 12 part films but his writings seemingly based on later day literature such as Vamsa  Gathas from Ceylon, that is to say from Shri Lanka and other local publications, I assume they are also like what Zee TV aired recently.

It is not only the Buddha birthplace, Lumbini of present day Nepal Tarai, which has been brought into question since 1928; those professors and other authors from Odisha  are also found questioning about the actual location of  the Bodhi Tree[6] under whose shade the Buddha had attained enlightenment. Those scholars following, Mahagatimbiya—Tissadatta, a Bhikkshu from Shri Lanka, who seems to have visited the Bodhi Tree site, think the tree being very close to an ocean and also think the view running parallel to those of the Chinese travelers. Those historians  and authors also talk of Majjhimdesh (मज्झिम देश). In Jatakas and Lalita Vistara  the Buddha is said to have himself told he was born in Majjhimdesh or Majjhim Desh (मज्झिम देश) – the ‘middle country’ (मध्य देश) or  Madhesh (मधेश). Therefore, some Nepalese political leaders from Madhesh have nowadays begun to say that the Buddha was born in Madhesh (मधेश) – not in Lumbini either. But where wasMajjhimdesh or Majjhim Desh (मज्झिम देश) ?  I shall copy below few lines from my 2010 paper:

THE BUDDHA BIRTHPLACE LUMBINI IN CONTROVERSY AGAIN

[A recent Hindi language television serial, Buddha[1] launched by Zee Network, from September the 8^th has added, already frustrated people by Indian over interference, both frustration and anger in Kathmandu. In reaction, on September 13, students staged demonstrations in the streets of Kathmandu against the serial and which prompted the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to post hastily the next day, September 14^th, on its Facebook wall, “The question of where Lord Buddha was born was settled over 2000 years ago when Emperor Ashoka installed the pillar with his inscription in Lumbini. Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in Nepal.”(2)]

By B. K. Rana

The Buddha was born in Lumbini, which now is in western Nepal Tarai. The 249 BC inscription on the Lumbini Ashokan pillar reading, “the Buddha was born here in Luminigame” is the evidence, which cannot be contravened otherwise. There are other historical and archaeological evidence that prove the Buddha being Lumbini born and now Lumbini, the Buddhist holy land, is in Nepal. The people of Nepal and others of Nepalese origin elsewhere in the world, regardless of their academic achievements, socio-economic standings and political orientations, believe the Buddha was born in Nepal but feel very offended outright when media publicize otherwise. The Buddha is considered one of the greatest historical personages or Bibhutis – so to say, one of the national heroes of Nepal.

A recent Hindi language television serial, Buddha[1] launched by Zee Network, from September the 8^th has added, already frustrated people by Indian over interference, both frustration and anger in Kathmandu. In reaction, on September 13, students staged demonstrations in the streets of Kathmandu against the serial and which prompted the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to post hastily the next day, September 14^th, on its Facebook wall, “The question of where Lord Buddha was born was settled over 2000 years ago when Emperor Ashoka installed the pillar with his inscription in Lumbini. Buddha was born in Lumbini, which is in Nepal.”[2]

Few days later, on September 19 from Gorkha, a hilly township in west Nepal, the Indian envoy to Nepal, Ranjit Ray told that there was no controversy on the Buddha birthplace. He said, “Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini and Lumbini is in Nepal.” Expressing his discontent over the Kathmandu-media-hyped controversy, the ambassador is also reported to have further told that not all Indians may know his being born in Nepal’s Lumbini but ‘children in Indian schools are taught the Buddha was born in Lumbini which is in Nepal.’[3]

Lord Buddha’s Birth Place is Nepal

By Dirgha Raj Prasai

The Indian Zee TV is going to exercise that releasing the fake news- Lord Buddha’s birth place was India. But, it is 100% fallacious and wrong. Nepal is the birth land of Lord Buddha. This fake propaganda of Zee TV will invite confrontation between Nepal and India. Gautam Buddha was born in Lumbini in the 6th century BC in mid Tarai, Nepal.. Lord Buddha is the asset of Nepal who was born in this pious land. A scholar Ram Kumar Shrestha writes- ‘Ashoka Pillar built in 300 BC by Indian Emperor Ashok during his pilgrimage to the birthplace of Buddha still stands Lumbini. A thorough excavation and investigation near the Ashok Pillar has found the Nativity Stone that was laid down to mark
the Buddha’s birthplace.

An international team of archaeologists has begun a three-year survey, coordinated by the UNESCO of the archaeological ruins of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha in Nepal. The team of archaeologists, including experts from Nepal’s Department of Archaeology and the Lumbini Development Trust, is directed by Robin Coningham, UNESCO Archaeological Expert and Professor of Archaeology, University of Durham. The UNESCO, after careful examination all facts and evidences, has already recognized Lumbini as the Buddha’s birthplace and a World Heritage Site’.

The descriptions of famous ancient Chinese pilgrims, Huian Tsang (who traveled through India between AD 629 & 645) and Fa Hein (who traveled between AD 400 & AD 414) indicate to this area, saying, ‘Lumbini, where the Lord was born, is a piece of heaven on earth where one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden embedded with Stupas and monasteries.’

Buddha’s Birthplace: Nepal Or India? New Currency Sets The Record Straight

By Vishal Arora

(RNS) Quick: Where was the Buddha born?

To hear many Indians talk, you’d think it was India, where he attained enlightenment and gave his first sermon.

But the people of Nepal know better — and they are eager to correct misconceptions about the Awakened One, considered one of the world’s most revered figures.

Next month, Nepal will circulate a new 100-rupee note with the imprint, “Lumbini: The Birthplace of Lord Buddha.” The currency is part of the government’s most recent effort to correct the record.

It comes amid protests following a promotional video on the private Indian channel Zee TV, which claimed the Buddha was born in India.

Zee TV corrected the error, but Nepal Cable TV Association blocked the channel when the new series on the life of Buddha premiered on Sunday (Sept. 8). The association’s chairman described the move as a way to prevent possible unrest in the country, which is predominantly Hindu but proud of its Buddhist heritage.

Indian Friends, Do Not Make Everyday April 1st

We are in the 21st century, not stone age. This is epoch of internet, WikiLeaks, and Google. These days, even internet media is dominated by social media. Our deeds and words become our identity. Before acting and speaking, we must think. Otherwise minor mistakes could ruin our identity. As neighbours we always need to be close and for that we must respect each other. India faked Lumbini, Indian ambassador even said Mt. Everest is in India, duplicate Indian Pashmina spoiled our International market. Lots of rumours are frequently created by the Indian side on Buddha’s birthplace. They know this is wrong, yet they are doing it. Misinforming intentionally is a big crime. As neighbours we want everybody to respect India as a honest country. For this India must not make fool of the world through unnecessary rumours. Despite lots of apologies due to floods of voices against their wrong information, India is continuously launching Grand TV Shows misinforming Buddha’s birth place. Indian friends, do not make everyday April 1^st.

Buddha Birth Place Correction in Nan Tien Temple

[As we heard about Budhha birth place misinformation in the biggest Buddhist temple – Nan Tian Temple, last year we decided to try our best to correct the misinformation there. I requested Consulate General, NSW HE Deepak Khadka to write a letter to the temple to create favourable environment to our team to have authority to take video inside the temple, however; the team found that the misinformation was already corrected. We were happy but also surprised. When I met Mr. Manoj Pant he shared his story and I asked to write at least few paragraphs. On behalf of Lumbini-Kapilvastu Day Movement, I would like to thank Mr. Pant for the information and this small article.]

By Manoj Panta

Nan Tien Temple known as “Southern Paradise” is the largest Buddhist temple in the Southern Hemisphere. It is situated at Berkeley – a suburb of Wollongong in the state of New South Wales. It is one of the branch temples of Fo Guang Shan, founded in 1965 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, which has over 200 branches worldwide. Since the opening of the temple in October 1995, it has become a new venue not only for local but also for international tourists and also acts as an important cultural centre bridging different cultures.

Buddha birth place issue honesty on “Kaun Banega Crorepati”

Popular Indian TV program Kaun Banega Crorepati, Super Star Amitabh Bacchan and the participant-winner of Rs. 6,40.000 became honest on Buddha birth place issue despite many Indians’ want. Even Zakaria never apologized for his mistake in his book “THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD” despite all sorts of pressure. Good on you.  

Relevant link:

Newsweek Editor Fareed Zakaria Apologised Tactfully

Nepal steps up security at Buddhist shrines

 

Authorities in Nepal said Monday that security will be increased at all major Buddhist shrines following the bomb blasts Sunday at the Mahabodhi temple in India.

A security alert has gone out in Nepal, which is home to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Kapilvastu, where the Buddha spent his early life, is also located in Nepal. The Buddha eventually attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Soon after the Mahabodhi temple in Bihar’s Gaya district was targeted by terrorists, injuring two monks, additional security personnel was deployed at Lumbini, a Unesco heritage site.

Press Release over Mahabodhi blasts

Press Release over Mahabodhi blasts.

Nine low-intensity blasts took place early on Sunday morning – leaving two monks injured – in quick succession at the 1,500-year-old Mahabodhi temple, which is annually visited by millions of pilgrims from all over the world.

The temple’s sanctum sanctorum and the Bodhi Tree, under which Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment, did not suffer any damage in the blasts which shook the holy town.

Anil Goswami, Union Home Secretary of India, said in New Delhi that serial explosions inside and outside Mahabodhi Temple complex were a terror attack and NIA and NSG teams have been sent for post-blasts investigations. Security has been beefed at the temple and adjoining areas, Bihar police chief DGP Abhayanand told reporters, adding CCTV footage was being examined for leads to the terrorists.

The explosions, the first of its type to target the town and the temple, a UNESCO heritage site, took place between 5:30 and 5:58 am. The explosives were set off by timers.

Buddha is revered as a Messenger of Peace. He is known as the Light of Asia but is also the Light of the World as his message of peace and non-violence has become more relevant. “All of us can learn from the Buddha’s spirit of compassion. His timeless teachings can help us to navigate the many global problems we face today. The need for global solidarity may seem like a modern concept, but it is not. More than 2,500 years ago, Buddha taught that nothing exists in isolation, and that all phenomena are interdependent. Just as profoundly, he taught that we cannot be happy as long as others suffer and that when we do reach out, we discover the best in ourselves.” said UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.