First-ever Buddhist Cultural Exposition in Lumbini

LUMBINI, Oct 07: The World Buddhist Exposition was organized in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, in Rupandehi district from Friday.

The Exposition is organized by the Lumbini Buddhist University, Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and Belt and Road Initiatives with an objective of promoting Buddhist philosophies and cultures. 

In the inaugural, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sushila Shreepali commended the role of the Chinese pilgrims in development of Buddhists archeology and cultures.

State Minister Shreepali viewed that the ancient 'Silk Road' had interconnected the Buddhist cultures prevailing in Nepal, China and India.

Similarly, LDT's Vice-President Dr Lharkyal Lama underlined the need for cultural and economic development through the 'Silk Road'. Stating that the Buddhist philosophies should be embraced for peaceful and harmonious development, he argued that each development works of the country should promote peace.

Likewise, Buddhist University's Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Subarna Lal Bajracharya emphasized the practical use of Buddhist philosophy in today's world and opined that such events should be organized routinely. 

Dr Lama, Chief of the Vietnamese Monastery within the Lumbini, said that Lumbini was pride of Nepal and we should not forget the role played by the Chinese travelers in identifying the place.

The event was attended by Buddhist monks, devotees, pilgrims and officials of the LDT and Lumbini Buddhist University. 

Nigrodha Mahather of Association of Bhikkhu said that several Buddhists philosophers had visited Nepal, China and India through Silk Road in ancient times.

Working papers on Buddhists cultures and philosophies were presented in the event where the thematic experts had deliberation on various themes related to Buddhists philosophies and cultures.