Construction of Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace to commence on April 29
KATHMANDU, April 25: The construction of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace — a project envisioned by Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, an American Buddhist scholar and author — is being commenced on April 29, on the occasion 2562nd Buddha Jayanti in Lumbini.
The building construction of the Sanctuary will be inaugurated by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli amid a special function, said Rinpoche at a press meet in the capital on Wednesday.
The project is supported by Rangrig Yeshe Inc., an America-based non-profit spiritual organization, and its sister non-profit organizations Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation based in Hong Kong and Bhrikuti Himalayan Foundation based in Nepal.
Rinpoche said that he hopes the Mahasiddha Sanctuary will honor the sacred birthplace of Lord Buddha and envisions the sanctuary as an inspiring and serene place of pilgrimage for people of every race, color and creed.
He added that the magnificent edifice will grace the historical site of Lord Buddha’s birth in Lumbini “due to miraculous birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, Lumbini will forever remain as a sacred site of immense power and blessings. There is no place on earth that is better suited to serve all of humanity as world center for universal peace.”
Rinpoche further said that the project is an opportunity to spread healing message of Lord Buddha to people around the world.
“It is great to build temples, especially in pilgrimage site such as Lumbini. However, everyone needs to build a temple of tolerance and peace within their own hearts. Then wherever they go and whatever they do, they will always find refuge in the true sanctuary within,” he said.
He further added that the sanctuary will be one of the most important blessings for peace. He added that the temple will be a boon for attraction tourism in the country and will be a solid economic support for the developing country like Nepal.
The sanctuary’s stunning and modern design incorporates traditional Buddhist symbols: a lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and blossoming of enlightened qualities; a butter lamp, symbolizing the five wisdoms; an offering mandala, symbolizing accumulation of merit; and a studa, symbolizing the mind of enlightenment. There will be a golden finial at the pinnacle, representing the thirteen bhumis (level of accomplishment).
The sanctuary will also have a library, peace museum, grand assembly hall, meditation hall and peace institute.
The model of the temple’s design was unveiled to the public for the first time on June 13, 2014 at a formal launch ceremony organized in Hong Kong and the foundation stone of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary was laid on May 10, 2017.
The Government of Nepal had entrusted Rinpoche a precious tract of land in Lumbini in 2013 to carry out the project.