Background
Recently, the Lions Club of Bhairahawa Green City organized an important dialogue titled “A Dialogue on the Prosperity of Lumbini,” and I was invited to present on this topic. While preparing for the talk about 20 minutes, I found myself deeply engrossed by the concept of prosperity, particularly in the context of Lumbini’s spiritual significance. Speaking about Lumbini demands that we frame prosperity through a Buddhist lens. What exactly does prosperity mean in Buddhism?
In Buddha’s teachings, prosperity is not a singular pursuit of material wealth, but a balanced harmony between two essential components: Abhyudaya, representing material prosperity, and Nisshreyas, which stands for spiritual fulfillment and ultimate well-being. Together, they form the foundation of the Buddha’s Middle Path—a life of balance, where both material success and inner peace coexist. If we are to chart Lumbini’s journey toward prosperity, we must develop the model in accordance with this dual perspective. Only then can we ensure that prosperity paves the way for lasting peace.
However, communicating this nuanced understanding to the audience was no simple task. The challenge lay in conveying that Lumbini’s development must not only prioritize material growth but also spiritual enrichment, in keeping with the very teachings that make it sacred.
How should we Know Lumbini?
Lumbini—more than a historic relic—is a beacon of peace and spirituality. As the birthplace of Buddha, it stands as a living testimony to our rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This ground invites us not only to reflect on the past but to envision a future of prosperity that draws from the well propounded philosophy of peace that Buddha envisioned. Consequently, Lumbini is the ground for resolving differentiation, discord, thoughtlessness, and disputes.
Lumbini is one of the four significant sites to be remembered with reverence in Buddhism, as marked the Buddha himself. It is a sanctuary that has the potential to serve as a global hub for Buddhist pilgrimage, tourism, meditation, and research. Yet, this potential remains vastly underutilized. The challenge we face is not just attracting visitors but inspiring them to stay and immerse in the spiritual and cultural richness of the region.
Tourism—A Missed Opportunity?
Buddhist tourism holds immense possibilities for Lumbini. Visitors are drawn to this sacred site not just to witness history, but also to experience peace and spiritual growth through meditation, contemplation, and pilgrimage. But, recent reports indicate that nearly 90% of visitors leave on the same day they arrive. Why is this the case?
Our shortcomings are clear. Yet, if we wish to evaluate our own work, we can possibly create a checklist of questions as follows:
Infrastructure for Extended Stays
- Do we have adequate facilities to support long-term visitors?
- Are there sufficient and high-quality accommodation options available?
- Is transportation and accessibility for tourists effectively managed?
Integration of Buddhist Art and Culture
- Do our streets and neighborhoods reflect Buddhist art and culture?
- Are cultural and artistic elements well-represented in local infrastructure?
Buddhist Philosophy Education
- Have we successfully integrated Buddhist teachings into local education?
- Is there a broad-based effort to spread basic Buddhist knowledge among residents?
- Are there effective programs for educating the local population about Buddhist philosophy?
Local Monastic Tradition
- Is there a strong presence of local monks and nuns actively serving the community?
- Are there adequate support systems for the training and practices of monks and nuns?
- Do local monks and nuns effectively serve as spiritual guides for residents?
Meditation and Peace Centers
- Do we have a world-class meditation center in place?
- Is there an international peace center functioning effectively?
- Are Vipassana meditation centers established and accessible in local communities?
Art and Exhibition Centers
- Is there a dedicated art and exhibition center in Lumbini?
- Are exhibitions related to Buddhist art and culture of high quality and relevance?
Publications of Buddhist Texts
- Have we published authoritative editions of Buddhist texts?
- Is there a clear effort to make these texts widely available and accessible?
Local Buddhist Education Implementation
- To what extent has Buddhist education been integrated at the local level?
- Are local educational programs effectively teaching about Buddha and Lumbini?
What We Have?
We lack proper infrastructure to support extended stays. Our streets, not reflective of Buddhist art and culture, fall short in catering to the needs of modern tourism. We have not sufficiently integrated our local population into the broader narrative of Buddhist philosophy. Basic knowledge of Buddhist teachings among the residents is limited, and we have yet to establish a strong tradition of local monks and nuns who can serve as spiritual guides.
Despite these challenges, Lumbini holds remarkable assets that, if nurtured, could transform it into a world-class destination. Our town boasts an International Peace Center and world-renowned meditation centers. We have the potential to showcase Buddhist art, exhibitions, and even official publications of Buddha’s teachings. But our reach in imparting Buddhist education at the grassroots level remains insufficient.
Our identity will only be preserved when we develop Lumbini as a unique Buddhist city.
What Can We Offer the World?
Issues of transportation, waste management, and food, hospitality, and language barriers continue to plague us. If we fail to address these problems, Lumbini will continue to fall short of its promise as a spiritual destination.
Despite poverty, unemployment, and educational shortcomings, we have the power to present Lumbini as a sanctuary for global peace. We can promote Buddhist art, education, culture, and practice, offering these to the world as tools for peace. We call upon the world for unconditional support to preserve and spread these treasures.
Learning from Buddha—A Path of Selfless Devotion
Who is our Ideal? The Buddha. Buddha’s journey of selfless love and renunciation offers us a model for Lumbini’s future. Buddha, carried a begging bowl and walked for 45 years. This inspires us to follow the path of peace, simplicity, and wisdom.
Renunciation and Dedication to knowledge has kept Siddhartha alive in history. He has become the ideal figure for billions of people worldwide. His philosophy is studied in prestigious universities across the globe. This inspires us to rise above fleeting self-interests.
Buddha had an unwavering love for his motherland. He resolved the Rohini River dispute and stopped King Virudhaka from attacking Kapilavastu three times. His devotion to his homeland was undeniable. Yet, he didn’t want his son to become king. His commitment to principles was so strong that he made his son a monk instead.
The Way Forward—Tackling the Root Causes
Buddha once Preached:
जिघच्छापरमारोगासङ्खारापरमादुक्खा।
एवंञात्वायथाभुतंनिब्बानंपरमंसुखं।।
Lumbini’s journey toward prosperity begins with addressing fundamental issues like hunger, which Buddha identified as a big disease. Let us conquer the hunger for position, money, and personal promotion, and instead work to alleviate the physical hunger of our people.
In the Mahaparinirvana Sutra, the Buddha provided a framework for preventing decline. As we walk this path, we must listen our elders and record there experience and Indigenous Knowledge, empower women and youth, and protect the cultural and intellectual wealth of Lumbini. Regular dialogues, meetings, and a steadfast commitment to duty will pave the way forward.
In conclusion, Lumbini is not just a relic of the past. It is a living, breathing embodiment of Buddha’s teachings—a place where we can cultivate peace, foster prosperity, and invite the world to join us on this noble path.
(Acharya Dayanidhi is an Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Lumbini Budddhist University.)
