VVVVVolume 18olume 18olume 18olume 18olume 18 B. E. 2559B. E. 2559B. E. 2559B. E. 2559B. E. 2559 May 2015May 2015May 2015May 2015May 2015

LumbiniLumbiniLumbiniLumbiniLumbiniJO U R N A L OF TH E LU M B I N I NE PA L E S E BU D D H A DH A R M A SO C I E T Y (UK)

Elani Samyek, Patan, Nepal

May 2015 Lumbini 2

L u m b i n i N e p a l e s e B u d d h a D h a r m a S o c i e t y ( U K )

Buddha was born more than 2600 years ago at Lumbiniin Nepal. His teachings of existence of suffering andthe way out of the suffering are applicable today as they were

applicable then. The middle way he preached is more appropriate nowthan ever before.

For centuries Buddhism remained the religion of the East. Recently,more and more Westerners are learning about it and practising Dharmafor the spiritual and physical well-being and happiness. As a result ofthis interest many monasteries and Buddhist organisations have beenestablished in the West, including in the UK. Most have Asianconnections but others are unique to the West e.g. Friends of WesternBuddhist Order.

Nepalese, residing in the UK, wishing to practice the Dharma for theirspiritual development, turned to them as there were no such Nepaleseorganisations. Therefore, a group of Nepalese met in February 1997and founded Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) to fillthis gap. The society is non-political, non-racial, non-profit makingvoluntary organisation and open to all, both Nepalese and non-Nepalese,whatever their faith and tradition.

Editor:Editor:Editor:Editor:Editor: Amrit Ratna Sthapit

EEEEEditorial Pditorial Pditorial Pditorial Pditorial Panel:anel:anel:anel:anel: Dr Dharma B. Shakya, Ram Babu Thapaliya,Dinesh Bajracharya

Front Cover Design:Front Cover Design:Front Cover Design:Front Cover Design:Front Cover Design: Udaya Shakya

Design & Layout:Design & Layout:Design & Layout:Design & Layout:Design & Layout: Amrit Ratna Sthapit

LNBDS OfficeLNBDS OfficeLNBDS OfficeLNBDS OfficeLNBDS Office: Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)lumbini1997@hotmail.comwww.lumbini.org.uk

Printed by:Printed by:Printed by:Printed by:Printed by: Jeddo PrintUnit 32, 63 Jeddo Road, London, W12 9ED

Articles and opinions expressed in the journal are notnecessarily the opinions of the society.

OOOOObjectivbjectivbjectivbjectivbjectiveseseseses1. To make Buddhism known to the wider public and to help them

understand the benefits of the Budha's profound teachings,

2. To have a forum for the meeting of Nepalese residents in the UKand others with an interest in Buddha Dharma as a spiritualpractice for discussion, exchange of ideas, constructive dialogueand to build Nepalese Buddhist community in the UK etc.,

3. To establish links with similar organisations in the UK, Nepal andother countries,

4. To organise voluntary work to help reduce humansuffering in Nepal and other countries, and

5. To promote and publish religious and cultural heritage of Nepal.

L u m b i n iJournal of The Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)

LumbiniLumbiniLumbiniLumbiniLumbini is the journal of LNBDS (UK) and published annuallydepending upon funds and written material; and distributed freeof charge as Dharma Dana. It is our hope that the journal will serveas a medium for:

1.Communication between the society, the members and other

interested groups.

2.Publication of news and activities about Buddhism in the United

Kingdom, Nepal and other countries.

3.Explaining various aspects of Dharma in simple and easily

understood language for all age groups.

4.Discussion on Dharma through a readers column.

Lumbini is run purely on donation. Therefore, any donations arewelcome and greatly appreciated. Cheques/Postal orders should bemade payable to Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)or LNBDS (UK) and forwarded to the society.

For the forthcoming issues of Lumbini, we welcome your articles,anecdotes, short stories or news features, which are linked to Nepaland/or Buddhism. Send your contributions and comments to theEditor, LNBDS.

Please include your full name, address and telephone number. Weregret we cannot acknowledge or return items we do not publish.

Lumbini for you...

AdvisersAdvisersAdvisersAdvisersAdvisersBhikkhu Sugandha (Thailand), Lodro Thaye, Bhikkhu Sujankirti,Dr. Ratna Bahadur Sakya

Executive Committee Members (UK)Executive Committee Members (UK)Executive Committee Members (UK)Executive Committee Members (UK)Executive Committee Members (UK)Bhikkhu Sumana (President), Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit (Vice-President),Mr. Dinesh Sthapit (Treasurer), Dr Dharma B. Shakya (Secretary),Mr. Ram Babu Thapaliya (Joint Secretary)

MembersMembersMembersMembersMembersMrs. Nani Shova Shakya, Mr. Gyalsang Tamang, Mr. Sukman Lama,Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya, Dr. Swayambhu Tuladhar and Mr. Sujan Shakya

Organising CommitteeOrganising CommitteeOrganising CommitteeOrganising CommitteeOrganising CommitteeAll Executive Committee Members, Mrs. Pramila Shakya, Dr. RasanaBajracharya, Mrs. Anu Sthapit, Mr. Shubha Ratna Shakya, Mrs. MenikaSthapit, Mrs. Padma Tara Sakya, Mrs. Reema Shakya, Mrs. SuchitaTuladhar, Mrs. Durga Thapaliya

Life MembersLife MembersLife MembersLife MembersLife MembersMr. Amrit R. Sthapit, Dr. Dharma B. Shakya, Dr. Lochan Manandhar,Mrs. Nani Shova Shakya, Mrs. Sakuna Lama, Miss Hima Gurung,Mrs. Anita Rai, Mr. Lil Gurung, Mr. Surya Bajra Yonjan, Mr. RedwoodMA, Mr. Shashi Manandhar, Mr. Rambabu Thapaliya, Mr. UttamNepal, Mr. Chakra B. Tamang, Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya, Miss SophiaSomerville, Mrs. Vibeke Dahl, Mrs. Asha Sharma, Dr. David Gellener,Mrs. Shanta Gurung, Mrs. Geeta Shrestha, Ms Jasmin Lama, Mrs Hind

Lumbini is published purely on donation. It is distributedfreely as Dharma Dana for benefit of many. Any kind of

support for publication is appreciated. This could be in form ofyour personal greetings or business advert in the magazine.

Please contact the Society for space if you wish to support us.

Thank you for your kind support, LNBDS

Maiya Vaidya, Mr. Rajju Dwip Bajracharya, Mr. Dinesh Sthapit, Mrs.Bijaya Luxmi Joshi Rai, Dr. Chuda B. Karki

3 Lumbini May 2015

L u m b i n iJournal of The Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)

Volume 18 B.E. 2559 May 2015

EditorialLNBDS would like to wish a very Happy Buddha Day,Buddha Jayanti, Swanyapunhi to all our readers. It is2559th Buddha Jayanti, the era which marks the passingaway (Mahaparinirvana) of the Buddha, in 543 BCE. TheBuddha was born in 623 BCE in Lumbini, Nepal. So,this year we will also be celebrating the Buddha’s 2639th

birth day, Lumbini Day.This year is certainly one of the darkest in the history ofNepal. Within very short period of time over 7000 peopledied, millions became homeless and whole world gotstunned from devastating earthquake that took place inNepal on Saturday, 25/4/2015. This natural tragedystopped our heartbeat, made us speechless and broughttears in our eyes. We wished it was just a nightmare andwill be fine once it’s over but for many, it changed theirlives forever. No word could console victims’ agony atsuch time. It is easy to discuss and give lengthy advices atthe time of such disasters but not tolerable to people whogo through unbearable sorrow and loss. Our prayer andkind wishes are with them and our society is supportingthe victims in the form of various charities.Following the earthquake in Nepal, the world expressedtheir support and kindness. Compassion was overflowingin everybody’s heart. Support started pouring which weappreciate with gratitude. We wish that all these donationsare channelled properly to relieve victims’ pain and rebuildtheir lives. Generously giving is a high quality a humancan have. Out of compassion and goodwill when oneexpresses kindness in words or in kind for betterment ofothers is charity. This could take various forms such asgiving food, clothes, medicine, shelter, money, emotionalsupport and wisdom.‘Sabbe Sankhara Anicca, all formations are impermanent’,said the Buddha. They are impermanent and willeventually come to an end. Even at subliminal level theyare constantly undergoing rise and fall, forever cominginto being and then, in a split second, breaking up andperishing. “Having arisen they then cease,” and becausethey all cease they cannot provide stable happiness andsecurity. Life is impermanent (Aniccan– momentary, keepschanging), suffering (Dukkhan - unable to acceptimpermanent due to attachment), and no self (Anattan -nothing to hold as permanent forever).In November 2014, international delegations gathered inLumbini for 4 days conference. At the end of the summit,Lumbini Declaration was announced on Promotion,Protection and Preservation of Lumbini. We express ourgratitude to Bhante Bodhijyana for making declaration

available to publish in this magazine.In article ‘A Tribute to Luang Por Sumedho on his 80thbirthday ’ Dr. Rasana Bajracharya explains how VenerableSumedho followed advice of Ajan Chah and settled inthe UK propagating Buddhism from Chithurst andAmaravati which has become main centres forDhammaduta activities in the West.Panca Dana is a religious event that takes place annuallyin Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur with great devotion.The fundamental purpose of this is to practice giving(Dana). The Society organised its first ever Pancha Danaprogramme at Kingsbury Buddhist Vihara in London inAugust 2014. Because of overwhelming support andparticipation we will be organising this event annually.We are thankful to Dr. Dinesh Bajracharya for sharing anarticle on Pancha Dana which was presented as a powerpoint at the event.We are grateful to Mr. Rambabu Thapaliya for his article‘Meditation’ a simple approach to peace’ which we share herefor the benefit of our readers. To our Nepali readers, weare glad to publish winning article from our essaycompetition 2014 in Nepal titled ‘dfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wd{'(Buddhism and mental development) by Amrit KajiShakya. Our appreciation to Vinaya Dhakhwa forproviding an article on Bubaha, Nepal. Our thanks toSuman Ratna Dhakhwa for providing front cover.

May peace and contentment be with you!

ContentsLNBDS Executive Committee and Objectives 2

Editorial 3

Pancha Dana in Buddhism 4- Dr. Dinesh Lal Bajracharya

Prince Siddhattha saved the Swan 7- Sujanakirti Bhante

A Tribute to Luang Por Sumedhoon his 80th birthday 8

- Dr. Rasana Bajracharya

Bubaha: - Yashodhara Mahavihar 10- Mr. Vinaya Dhakhwa

'Meditation' a simple approach to peace 11- Ram Thapaliya

Lumbini Declaration 14

dfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wd{ 16- Amrit Kaji Shakya

Letters to Editor 21

Condolences to departed ones 21

LNBDS Activities and News 22

News about Buddhism 24

May 2015 Lumbini 4

Dr. Dinesh Lal Bajracharya, Kent, UK

PPPPPancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dana in Bana in Bana in Bana in Bana in Buddhismuddhismuddhismuddhismuddhism(This talk was given on Sunday, 31st August 2014 at the Society's first ever Pancha Dana (Panjaran) programme at

Kingsbury Vihara, London.)

What is Dana?What is Dana?What is Dana?What is Dana?What is Dana?Dana is a Sanskrit word which denotes offering orgenerosity. In general term, Dana is the act of giving withpure mind with the sole aim of helping those whose needsare greater than ours without expecting anything in returnlike praise, fame, favour, recognition, prestige, merits oreven heaven after death. Dana does not have to be materialthings only but could be spending time and giving spaceto those who needs someone to listen to their problemsor service to those who need them. Giving a smile, beingpleasant and considerate, speaking pleasantly, advising todispel fear, even expressing gratitude for the kindness ofthe people constitute an act of Dana. A person used tooffer some money to a street beggar on regular basis. Oneday he forgot to carry the money hence he politely says tothe beggar, “Sorry brother due to some urgent thing Iforgot to carry the money today”. In reply, the beggarsays,” You gave me invaluable thing today by calling mebrother which is beyond compare to any materialisticthings or money anyone can offer”. From this example itis clear that a polite, humble, compassionate, and friendlyword, advice, teaching, expression etc. is much morevaluable than material things to offer. It is therefore inBuddhism ‘The greatest Dana is the Dharma Dana -teaching dharma or a skill.’ It is said, “The gift of Dharmaexcels all other gifts.” (Sabbadanam dhammadanam jinati-Dhammapada 354). As Geshe Tashi Tsering said, “Sharingteachings does not have to be (teaching) in a traditionalway. Simply saying things which are relevant withcompassion is great generosity. Generosity is one of the mainantidotes for attachment.” Similarly, compassion is antidoteof anger.What is not an act of Dana is when you give somethingwith the following idea “Let laymen and monks both thinkthat this was done by myself. In every work great or small,let them refer to me. Such is the aspiration of the fool. Hisdesire and pride increase. Dhammapada v.74”

Dana and WisdomDana and WisdomDana and WisdomDana and WisdomDana and WisdomDana will be a worthy act only if it is practiced withcompassion and wisdom. Hence we need to be carefulwhile being generous. For example if you are convincedthat your help will be misused say by a drug addict or analcoholic that will not be a virtuous act because you willbe helping this person indirectly to continue with his/herharmful way.In another circumstance, if you give away something tosomeone with an intention to hurt the person by making

him feel inferior than you then your act of giving will berather painful than helpful.The wisdom behind Dana is to be grateful to the recipientfor giving an opportunity to make an offering and thenaccepting the offer. It is the receiver of Dana who providesan opportunity for the act of Dana to be fulfilled and canitself be viewed as an act of compassion or generosity.Further, Dana should be followed by contentment not byregret. If we give away things with generosity first andlater repent then the act of Dana will be of reduced qualityin terms of the purity of the act. In previous Buddha’stime a rich Bramhim invited Buddha for Bhojan Dana.After offering Bhojan the Bramhin repented that heshouldn’t have given fresh Bhojan to Buddha as he stillhad left over from yesterday. This thought made theBrahmin’s act of generosity (Dana) tainted with an elementof stinginess. As a result despite having plenty of wealthdue to good karma of offering to Buddha he only ateleftover food throughout his life.The act of Dana should be guided by the notion ‘Givewhat you can within your capacity.’ Dana does not meanyou have to give everything and become a pauper. Sooffering should be in accordance with the capability andavailability of the giver. For example a rich person can offerwealth/ money, a musician or singer can offer a melodiousmusic or song, an artist can offer charity sponsorship, apoor person can offer his labour or skill, a pedestrian canoffer helping hand to a disabled walker to cross the roador remove obstacles on the road. There are countless actsof generosity in this world; the only thing needed iscompassion and wisdom. Dana is generally categorized inthree stages. In first stage one can start the act of dana byoffering possessions what one doesn’t need. This stage isvery important as it is quite easy to start dana. The secondstage is to offer what you like. This stage is difficult topractice. It usually emerges out of compassion. The thirdstage is to offer what is most precious to you. This is mostdifficult one. It is believed that only person with deepsense and feeling of compassion can do this and this is thepractice which leads to attainment of higher spiritual goal.In Buddhism the precious thing doesn’t include familymembers unlike in other religion.

EEEEEvvvvvolution of Dolution of Dolution of Dolution of Dolution of Dana in Bana in Bana in Bana in Bana in Buddhauddhauddhauddhauddha’’’’’s times times times times timeDana is one of the main foundations of Buddhism(Buddha Dharma). Dana in Buddha’s time was started inthe sixth century BCE when a village woman called Sujataoffered rice pudding to Gautam Siddhartha in Bodh Gayajust a day before his enlightenment. When he accepted

5 Lumbini May 2015

the rice pudding from Sujata indicating giving up of theextreme renunciation for six years that brought him tothe point of death, and after eating it he regainedconsciousness and strength to carry on meditation whichultimately led him to enlightenment.The tradition of Dana in Buddhism started when Buddhaestablished ‘Sangha’. In order to spread Buddha’s teachings,monks and nuns in Sangha devoted their lives and as arespect the lay people offered them food, clothes etc fortheir livelihood and survival of the sangha.There are 6 fold path of perfection of virtue (Paramita) inMahayana Tradition for the progression to enlightenment.They are Dana, Sila, Chayanti, Birya, Dhayana and Pragya.Similarly in Theravada Tadition there are 10 fold path i.e.Das Parmita, which are: Dana, Sila, Naiskra, Pragya, Birya,Chayanti, Satya (truth), Adhisthan, Maitriya andUpechchya.In both traditions Dana is the first and foremost path tolead oneself towards liberation or achieve bothisatwahood.Buddha gave special importance to the practice of giving(danakatha) in his teaching. According to Pali Sutta,whenever the Buddha gave teaching to an audience whohad never heard him to teach before, he had alwaysemphasised the importance of giving. Only after the peoplehad appreciated the virtue of Dana he would teach otheraspects of Dharma like morality, the law of karma, benefitsof renunciation etc. Only when these teachings have madeimpact he would teach Four Noble Truths etc.

PPPPPancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha DanaanaanaanaanaPanch Dana is attributed to Dipankar Buddha as he taughtpeople that Dana is the first and foremost act towardsachieving liberation. Because of his emphasis on Dana hisfollowers started the tradition of Pancha Dana to celebratethis noble act of generosity and pay tribute to him. It isbelieved that Gotama Buddha was a rich bramin calledSumedha in Dipankar Buddha’s time. He donated all hiswealth to eliminate poverty of people and become a monkunder Dipankar Buddha. Due to this pure Dana heattained the first foresight of enlightenment and DipenkarBuddha predicted that he would be the fully enlightenedone in his next life. So it was because of fulfilment ofDana parmita Sumedha was reborn as prince Siddharthaand became Gothama Buddha. In Buddhism it is alwaystaught that the fulfilment of Dana parmita paves ways infulfilling other parmitas to attain Buddhahood in this lifeor in next life.Thus, the tradition of offering in the time of DipankarBuddha was celebrated in the name of Pancha Dana whichcontinues till today. In Sarbanand Jatak, it is mentionedthat the king of Dipawati City and a woman called LaxmiThanku of Guite Tole, Lalitpur first offered Pancha Danato Dipankar Buddha. Since then this tradition continuedand every year lay followers (mainly Mahayana Buddhists)

celebrate this tradition as one of the holiest festivals inNepal. In Pancha Dana mainly five things are offered tomonks and nuns; and Bajracharyas and Shakyas inMahayana Buddhist tradition which are rice (rice pudding),lentils, salt, sugar and health drinks (milk).Pancha Dana thus is offering of rice pudding and five otheredible things from lay Buddhists to Dipankar Tathagat,Buddha Sangha and to the Buddhist people. It is mainlycelebrated during ‘Gunla Dharma’ on Shrawan month(August). Generally, the word ‘Pancha Dana’ is derivedfrom words like Parjaran, Punyaja or Pindaja (Balls ofboiled rice) or Pandajuja (Buddhist priest rice). LayBuddhists believe that offering Pancha Dana to monksand priests will bring public welfare, health, long life andpeace. It is mentioned in Buddhist texts that offering rice/rice pudding in a bowl to Sambuddha and his Sangha willbring great merit. This practice is ongoing till now in manysects of Buddhism. In Theravada tradition, offering ofrice to monks in their bowl is always carried out first inthe special occasion of Kathina Chibar Dana.

TTTTTypes of Pypes of Pypes of Pypes of Pypes of Pancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha DanaanaanaanaanaBuddhists in Nepal make Pancha Dana to DipankarTathagat in the form of worships and to Bajracharya priestsand Shakyas for the sake of peace and welfare of society,country and the world. There are mainly 5 types of PanchaDana practiced in Nepal. They are as follows:

1.Regular or Annual Pancha Dana2.Voluntary or Optional Pancha Dana3.Celebratory or Special Ritual Pancha Dana4.Samyak Dana5.Voluntary or Optional Samyak Dana

RRRRRegular or Annual Pegular or Annual Pegular or Annual Pegular or Annual Pegular or Annual Pancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha DanaanaanaanaanaThis is the main tradition of Pancha Dana which ispopularly known as “Parjran” in Newar community inwhole Nepal. This occasion is celebrated once every yearduring “ Gunla Dharma” in the month of Shrawan. Thispractice of offering is considered fruitful because it makesthe habit of offering which generate compassion. Thistype of Dana is associated with Gunla Dharma as GunlaDharma is very important and auspicious in Buddhisttradition with generosity through offerings as meritmarking. This occasion is celebrated in Kathamandu, Patan,and Bhaktapur in different times with different occasions.Along with Pancha Dana various other importantoccasions are also celebrated during Gunla Dharma. Theyare:Worship of Baha and Bahis (Bapuja)Festival of lights (Mataya)Displaying of the Buddhist Deities, Arts, and Sculpturesin Baha and Bahjis (Baidhyo)Worship of Buddha (Buddha Puja)Making Model Chaityas (Luchidhyo thaya)

May 2015 Lumbini 6

'ssssssssss!'~ D. II. 156

Observance of the Eight Day or Astami Vrata (UposdhBrath)Buddhist Childrens’ Fast (Sinka Dhalan)Reciatation of nine scriptures (Nawa grantha path)VVVVVoluntaroluntaroluntaroluntaroluntary or Oy or Oy or Oy or Oy or Optional Pptional Pptional Pptional Pptional Pancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha DanaanaanaanaanaThis type of Pancha Dana is celebrated in the name of“Nava Dana” or “Naraa”. In this Dana, a devoted donororganises a special occasion on a special day to offer ninedifferent offerings for the sake of public welfare with greatcompassion. It is written in Buddhist text thatBodhisatwas have to fulfil Dana Parmita by offering theirnine belongings in order to progress to attain Bodhigyan.In Buddhist text Bodhisatwa Bhumi the names of nineofferings are mentioned as follows:

1.Swavab Dana2.Sarba Dana3.Duskar Dana4.Sarbtomukh Dana5.Satpurush Dana6.Sarbakar Dana7.Vidyatarthik Dana8.Ehamutrasukha Dana9.Bisudha Dana

CelebratorCelebratorCelebratorCelebratorCelebratory or Sy or Sy or Sy or Sy or Special Ritual Ppecial Ritual Ppecial Ritual Ppecial Ritual Ppecial Ritual Pancha Dancha Dancha Dancha Dancha DanaanaanaanaanaThis type of Pancha Dana is mainly celebrated by thedonor to coincide with other special occasions such as Ricefeeding ceremony (Pasni), Marriage, Bratbandha,Vimratharothan (Janko), or Death anniversary. The aimbehind this occasion is to generate merits for the sake ofthe welfare and happiness of the people of the family ofthe donor including those who passed away. The donororganises Pancha Dana in his/her respective Baha/Bahi byinviting his/her relatives to join the occasion to offer tosenior Buddhist priests of different Bahha/Bahi who areinvited to accept the Dana. The occasion is ended with afeast to all participants to express thanks for accepting theofferings.

Samyak DanaSamyak DanaSamyak DanaSamyak DanaSamyak DanaThis occasion is celebrated periodically by local people byoffering puja and devotion to Amitabh Buddha, DipankarBuddha, Aarya Tara, and Dana to all Buddhists monks,nuns and priests whoever comes to accept the offerings.The Dana is open to all Buddhists mainly Bajracharyasand Shakyas, and to all devotees who want to makeofferings in this occasion. The devotees mainly offer ricewith betel nuts (Gwedan), (Kisali), flowers and fruits toDipankar Buddhas and Aarya Tara along with rice, ricepuddings, lentils, bitten rice, salt and many other ediblethings to all who are sitting to accept the offerings. Somedevotees also offer his or her valuable assets like gold, land,house etc. in this occasion with great compassion and

sacrifice for the sake of public welfare and peace. InKathmandu it is celebrated every 12 year at SwyambuBhuikhel during Makar Sankranti by Samyak Maha DanaGuthi. Similarly, it is celebrated every 5 year in Patan(Lalitpur) at Nagbahal by a Guthi called HiranyabarnaMahabihar Samyak Dana Guthi in Falgun SuklaChathuthi. In Bhaktapur this occasion is celebrated everyyear by Sakotha Tariche Guthi in Magh Sankranti atThathu Bahi Bhuikhel. In these occasions images and idolsof Dipankar Thathagat and Aarya Tara are brought fromdifferent participating Baha and Bahis for display withfull of decorations and lined on chronological order. Inthese occasions in all three cities, the devotees also offerpuja and devotions to Chaityas and image of HaibajraNairatma as their main deity (Kula Devta). At the end ofthe occasion the organisers offer Samyak Bhojan to thedevotees as a token for accepting the Dana.

VVVVVoluntaroluntaroluntaroluntaroluntary or Oy or Oy or Oy or Oy or Optional Sptional Sptional Sptional Sptional Samyak Damyak Damyak Damyak Damyak DanaanaanaanaanaThis type of Dana is organised by the devotees onauspicious occasions by offering one part of his/her earningfrom his/her occupation to build the monastery, stupas,chaitya, or images of Dipankar Thathagata; to renovatebaha, bahis and artefacts; to write, publish, translateBuddhist literatures, text etc; and to preserve and promoteBuddhist arts and cultures to spread Buddha’s teachingson peace and enlightenment.

ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusionPancha Dana is a unique culture in Buddhist tradition inKathmandu valley. This is celebrated with a view to benefitall mankind in one way or other. There is no doubt inbelieving that giving away ones’ belongings to others willbenefit both as the giver gets merits and the receiver getsthe materials for the betterment. They are both to begrateful for this practice, as the giver gets merit because ofacceptance of his giving by the receiver. If the receiver rejectsto accept the offerings, the opportunity to gain merit willbe lost. So it is the receiver also who plays a very importantpart. However, the core part of Dana is the absence ofintention of any return in the whole process of Dana. It isthe law of Karma which plays the role in this act ofgenerosity. Buddhas promote this practice by acceptingofferings from lay people and giving the teaching as theiract of Dana so that it generates compassion and gain themerits in the lives. Buddhas insist that dana is the first andforemost action towards the attainment of furtherdevelopment in spiritual practice as it is a powerful antidoteof sufferings arising from desire, craving, clinging and soon.In Buddhist text it is mentioned that Dana will bringpublic welfare and peace in country and the donor willbenefit from long and healthy life, gaining wealth andintelligence, peace and prosperity in family and ultimatelyprogress towards attaining Bodhisattva or Arhantship inthis very life or in next life.

7 Lumbini May 2015

A long time ago, there was a Prince called Siddhartha inan ancient city of Kapilavatthu (Kapilvastu) near Himalaya.

Prince Siddhartha was very kind hearted, friendly andhospitable to everyone. He never insulted anyone. He wasvery generous and always helped people in need. He alsoloved animals and often played with them.

One day, Prince Siddhartha went out with his friends.Prince Ananda, Mahanamaand Upali also joined in withthis event. Prince Siddhartha’sclose cousin, Prince Devadattaalso joined on the day. Eventhough they were bothcousins, they were verydifferent. Their characters,manners and behaviors werevery different. PrinceDevadatta was not a goodman. He had a very cruelmind and unkind to friends. He liked to create troubles,easily got angry and was full of jealousy and envioustowards others.

On that day, they all went out to have great fun. PrinceDevadatta took his bow and arrow with him. He sawsomething flying in the sky from the distance. It was abeautiful white swan. Devadatta took his arrow and shotit immediately and hit the swan. The swan fell down onthe ground. When Prince Siddhartha saw the swan falldown, he ran to the swan. It was hit by Davadatta’s arrowand was bleeding and crying in pain. Siddhartha felt sadand sorry for it.

The Prince gently held the swan, and comforted it, so itwould no longer be frightened then pulled the arrow outof its wing. After that, he found an herb which wouldstop bleeding and would heal the wound. He applied thismedicinal herb to the wound. Prince Devadatta was veryangry at Siddhartha’s action and demanded that he gavethe swan to him as it belongs to him as he was the onewho shot it.

Hey!!! That’s mine! Give it to me NOW!!!

‘I would not’, said Prince Siddhartha and he would nothand the swan over to Prince Devadatta and replied: “Sheis injured”.

“But I’m the one who shot it!!!! Stop messing and give itto me now !!!!

‘It is true, indeed, that it is rightfully yours because youshot it. She is still alive. In that case, shouldn’t she belongto the person that saved her?

But, it is still mine, I shot it!!!

No, it’s mine.

It’s mine!!!

No one was ready to give up. So, Prince Siddharthasuggested, ‘Why don’t we go and ask the Wise for helpand find out who does the swan belong to? ‘

Prince Devadatta agreed with him, ‘FINE’!!!

At the meeting the topic ofthe dispute was: “Who doesthe swan belong to?”

There were two different andopposing views. According tothe Law of Kingdom, theswan rightfully belonged tothe person who shot it. No,said the opposition, the swanshould belong to the personwho saved its life!!! They couldnot come to any conclusion.

They argued for a long time, but neither of them couldaccept the others opinion. But then, suddenly, a youngman appeared at the meeting.

“Pardon me, my friends.” It was a young wise minister,Mahanama. ‘May I be of assistance in finding the rightanswer to this dispute, Mahanama asked? Are we nottalking about ‘Life’!!! Don’t you think that ‘life’ is preciousand very important to the living? If the argument isbetween the one who saved a life and the one who tried todestroy it… Then, which one should the swan belong to?

They whispered with each other for a few minutes andfinally the judges came to the conclusion that, “The rightof the ownership of the swan should belong to PrinceSiddhartha.”

What!!!!?, Devadatta wasn’t happy.

‘Thank you for your kindness,’ said Prince Siddhartha.When the discussion between the great wise ones hadconcluded, Prince Siddhartha took the swan home andtook very good care of the swan until it could fly back tothe sky once again.

Prince Siddhartha was born in 623 BCE in ancientKingdom of Kapilavatthu (Kapilvastu) in present dayNepal. When he was 35 years old he was known as theBuddha, one who knows what should be known andalways taught to love all, shared with others, respectingfriends and families, not speaking lies and unkindly words,and not eating or drinking things that clouds the mind.

The moral of the story is:

All living creatures belong to those who protect their lives,not to those who destroy them.

PPPPPrince Srince Srince Srince Srince Siddhattha Siddhattha Siddhattha Siddhattha Siddhattha Savavavavaved the Sed the Sed the Sed the Sed the Swanwanwanwanwan Sujankirti Bhante, UK

May 2015 Lumbini 8

A A A A A TTTTTribute to Lribute to Lribute to Lribute to Lribute to Luang Puang Puang Puang Puang Por Sor Sor Sor Sor Sumedho on his 80umedho on his 80umedho on his 80umedho on his 80umedho on his 80ththththth bir bir bir bir birthday:thday:thday:thday:thday: Dr Rasana Bajracharya, UK

LLLLLuang Por Sumedho, mostly known as Ajahn Sumedhowas born as Robert Kan Jackmanin Seattle, Washington on 27th July 1934 (age 80), a daywhich also happened to be the Ashadh Puja of that year.This is the full moon day that is considered to be the

anniversary ofthe Buddha’sfirst teachingon the Middlepath and theFour NobleTruths.

After attendingthe Universitiesof Washingtonand California,he joined theUS Navy. Heserved for fouryears, from theage of 18 as

a United States navy medic. He then did a BA in FarEastern studies and graduated in 1963 with an MA inSouth Asian studies at the University ofCalifornia, Berkeley. After a year as a Red Cross socialworker, Jackman served with the PeaceCorps in Borneo from 1964 to 1966 as an English teacher.On break in Singapore, sitting one morning in sidewalkcafé, he watched a Buddhist monk walk by and thoughtto himself, “That looks interThat looks interThat looks interThat looks interThat looks interesting.esting.esting.esting.esting.” ” ” ” ” This must be theturning point in his life.

In 1966 at the age of 31, he entered a monastic life andbecame a novice or samanera at Wat Sri Saket in NongKhai, northeast Thailand. He ordained as a Bhikkhuthere in May 1967.

Soon becoming a Bhikkhu he went to study and practicewith Venerable Ajahn Chah, in a province to the south ofNong Khai called Ubon. He was the first western monkto be trained by Ajahn Chah in that monastery. Chah Chah Chah Chah ChahSSSSSubhaddo, alternativubhaddo, alternativubhaddo, alternativubhaddo, alternativubhaddo, alternatively Aely Aely Aely Aely Achaan Chahchaan Chahchaan Chahchaan Chahchaan Chah; (17 June 1918– 16 January 1992) was an influential teacher of theBuddha Dharma and a founder of two major monasteriesin the Thai Forest Tradition. The one being WWWWWat Nat Nat Nat Nat NongongongongongPPPPPah Pah Pah Pah Pah Pong ong ong ong ong Monastery, where Ajahn Chah could teach hissimple, practice-based form of meditation and the otheris, WWWWWat Pat Pat Pat Pat Pah Nah Nah Nah Nah Nanachatanachatanachatanachatanachat for the non Thai speaking monks.

From 1967-77 at Wat Nong Pa Pong, he was rigorouslytrained under Ajahn Chah. He has come to be regarded asAjahn Cha’s most influential Western disciple. At AjahnChah’s request he started to teach other newly arrived

Western monastics from 1973. As he has great gift ofcommunication and leadership he was invited by AjahnChah to establish a monastery for westerners near the localvillage of Bung Wei. Thus in 1975, Wat Pah Nanachatwas established and he became the first Western abbot of

the International Monastery. Wat Pah Nanachat was thefirst monastery in Thailand, specifically geared towardstraining the English-speaking Westerners in themonastic Vinaya and practices the teachings of the Buddhain the simple forest monastic tradition.

In 1977, Ajahn Chah and Ajahn Sumedho were invitedto visit the United Kingdom by the English Sangha Trustwho wanted to form a residential Sangha. After observinga keen interest in Buddhism among Westerners, AjahnChah encouraged Ajahn Sumedho to remain in Englandfor the purpose of establishing a branch monastery in theUK. Initially Ajahn Sumedho was reluctant to take thisresponsibility as he was not sure how the English peoplewill react and how could he survive? Then Ajahn Chahasked him one simple question “wouldn’t the Englishpeople have good heart?” This indeed has changedeverything. In 1979 the foundation of the Cittaviveka, commonlyknown as Chithurst Buddhist Monastery wasaccomplished with Ajahn Sumedho as its head.

Cittaviveka Monastery was the first forest monastery thathe established in England. During that time Ajahn

9 Lumbini May 2015

Sumedho was granted authority to ordain others as monksshortly after he established Cittaviveka Forest Monastery.He then established a ten precept ordination lineage forwomen, “Siladhara”.

As the Sangha kept on growing Chithurst became overcrowded with monks and nuns this led to the birth ofAmravati Buddhist Monastery in 1984. Ajahn Sumedhowas the abbot of Amaravati BuddhistMonastery near Hemel Hempstead in England, for nearly25 years until his retirement.

Amaravati is part of the network of monasteries andBuddhist centres in the lineage of Ajahn Chah, which now

extends across the world, from Thailand, NewZealand and Australia, to Europe, Canada and the UnitedStates. Ajahn Sumedho played an instrumental role inbuilding this international monastic community.

Today there are more than 10 monasteries founded underhis guidance all over the Europe, America, Canada andAustralia and the Amaravati Buddhist Monastery, beingthe centre of the chain of the monasteries, under the forestBuddhist tradition.

Ajahn Sumedho is a prominent figure in the Thai ForestTradition. His teachings are very direct, practical, simple,and down to earth. In his talks and sermons he stresses thequality of immediate intuitive awareness and theintegration of this kind of awareness into daily life. Likemost teachers in the Forest Tradition, Ajahn Sumedhotends to avoid intellectual abstractions of the Buddhistteachings and focuses almost exclusively on their practicalapplications, that is, developing wisdom and compassion

in daily life. His most consistent advice can be paraphrasedas to see things the way that they actually are rather thanthe way that we want or don’t want them to be (“Rightnow, it’s like this...”). He is known for his engaging andwitty communication style, in which he challenges hislisteners to practice and see for themselves. Students havenoted that he engages his hearers with an infectious senseof humour, suffused with much loving kindness, oftenweaving amusing anecdotes from his experiences as a monkinto his talks on meditation practice and how to experiencelife (“Everything belongs”).

A meditation technique taught and used by AjahnSumedho involves resting in what he calls “The Sound ofSilence”. He talks at length about this technique in one ofhis books titled “The Way It Is”. He had written severalbooks and the one he likes is about the Four Noble Truths.He once wrote “I have always tried to be very faithful tothe Four Nobel truths, as many of you are aware, because Ifound it to be such a profound and useful teaching. It alwaysimpressed me that the Buddha explained them in his firstsermon after enlightenment and it is a perfect teaching. Ifall other scriptures, the rest of the Tripitaka and so forth,suddenly vanished out of sight and all we had left were theFour Noble Truths that would be enough”.....

Ajahn Sumedho’s imminent retirement was announcedin February 2010, and he retired in November of thatyear. His successor is the English monk Ajahn Amaro,hitherto co-abbot of the Abhayagiri branch monasteryin California’s Redwood Valley. Ajahn Sumedho nowdwells as a “free agent” in Thailand and practicing forestmonastic tradition.

Last year, on the 27th of July 2014, he celebrated his 80th

Birthday at Amaravati Buddhist Monastery with about200 monastics and lay people. On that day he said to hisdisciples that the reclining Buddha is now his Buddha rupaof choice, as the eighty year mark was also the time of theBuddha’s Parinirbana, his final passing away.

Luang Por Sumedho intends to further reflect on hiseightieth year by going pilgrimage to Kushinagar wherehe would like to contemplate on death, liberation andimpermanence as this is the place where The Buddhaattended Parinirbana. SSSSSadhu... Sadhu... Sadhu... Sadhu... Sadhu... Sadhu.... Sadhu.... Sadhu.... Sadhu.... Sadhu.... Sadhu....adhu....adhu....adhu....adhu....

May 2015 Lumbini 10

Vinaya Dhakhwa

BBBBBubaha:ubaha:ubaha:ubaha:ubaha: – – – – – YYYYYashodhara Mashodhara Mashodhara Mashodhara Mashodhara Mahaviharahaviharahaviharahaviharahavihar

Sanghas of Bahas and Bahis in Kathmandu Valley havereceived far less than its due measure of importance inextented studies on Buddhism in Nepal, though of course,

the Vihars have often attracted the attention of the scholars.In general Sangha means the organization of the monksof a vihara to enforce the vinaya rules among the monksand of facilitate the dharma practice and Dharma preaching.Lay Buddhists of different castes come to vihara to be incontact with Bhikshu Sangha to listen to Dharma talk, toparticipate in religious and cultural activities and to offerdana to the Bhikshu Sangha and the lay Buddhists visitingthe Vihar constitute a Buddhist Community of the locality.

In Nepal Bahas and Bahis Sangha refer to an organizationof Sakyas and Bajracharyas. Sakyas and Bajracharyas areregarded as monks according to the decree issued by KingJayasthiti Mall. They do not fall under any castecategory. Formally any aspirant belonging to any caste wasentitled to be initiated as Sakyas and Bajracharyas. Sakyasand Bajracharyas take the vows of Boddhistwa and practicethe Bodhicharya living with a family at home. Those withinitiation of higher tantras practice such yoga at home and

in Vihars. They consider home as a proper place to exerciseDharma insight once they recognize the essence of theDharma, through the help of a Guru.

As for the origin of the Bubaha Sangha is concerned thestudy team did not find any direct evidence on the date ofits establishment. The inscription date N.S. 218 is theearliest inscription mentioning the name of YashodharMahavihar. But there is a mention of Brivihara, possiblyindicating Buvihar (Bubahal) in an old manuscript of N.S243 named Panchrasha preserved in the NationalArchives. Dealing with the colophone in the manuscriptPetech, in his book Medieval History of Nepal conferswith the version that Brivihara is Bubahal. It is possiblethat the Deva who is well known as Skugat SashanaPakshapati. In Bubahal the chaitya which is located infront of the main temple of Bubahal is of the LikshaviPeriod and is considered the main monument of the SanghaVrisha Deva who is also believed to have established otherviharas like Subaha in Patan. Bidhadhar and the hisdescendants were belived to be another renovetors ofYashodhara Maha Vihara. There is no evidence to denythe possibility that Bubahal was established during LichhaviPeriod. From the above discussions the reserchers cometo infer that Bubahal Sangha was established by BrishaDeva.

Excerpt: Dr. Bajra Raj Shakya, Photo: Rahul Muni Bajracharya

11 Lumbini May 2015

‘M‘M‘M‘M‘Meditationeditationeditationeditationeditation’ a simple appr’ a simple appr’ a simple appr’ a simple appr’ a simple approach to peaceoach to peaceoach to peaceoach to peaceoach to peace Ram Thapaliya, London

The tradition of ‘Meditation’ also known as ‘Dhyana’ inSanskrit is age old practice in which we contemplate onwhat is happing inside and the outside of the world welive. The main focus is on endless thoughts, desires, angers,aversion, hatred, love which flows on and on everymoment of our life. Our life is entangled with full ofproblems. There are always problems or issues that botherus in our workplace or business or home. We are nowliving in a modern age of information andcommunication. We are directly or indirectly affected bythe events or accidents or incidents in our neighbourhood,town, city, country or any part of the world.

We are affected by good deeds and progress or bad deedsor down fall of our loved ones or someone we know. It isnatural for us to want to make progress when someone isdoing so well and we, naturally, feel sad when there istrouble or problem to our friends or family. Progress andregress, happiness and sadness, accidents, events, birth ordeath are law of the nature. This process of birth and deathcontinues in the world we live in whether we want or not,whether we are sad or happy. Most people cannot acceptthe law of the nature and be destabilised.

We are mostly observing the peripheral activities and events.We are interested in what others are doing, commentingon others activities, others weakness or strength, but neverfind time to look into ourselves what is happening in ourown live, why it is happening? Why we are destabilised byexternal activities? What is my purpose of living? Why wefeel anger, aversion, greed, hatred? Why we have love ordesire? The question is can we find answers to all the thingsthat are happening inside or outside of us? As we are unableto find answers to these questions, we are affected by everybig or small event that is happening around us. We do notfind time to look into ourselves; investigate our ‘Chitta’consciousness of mind or ‘Mana’ a thought that I wantthis, I like this, I don’t like this or so on. Meditationhelps us to learn about the ‘Chitta’ or ‘Mana’ and detachus from the happening both inside as well as outside ourdaily life. Regular practice of meditation will help us toknow that the event has happened, we will feel the effectof the event but we are detached from it; we are neithersad nor happy about it.

Meditation practice is a tradition going on for thousandsof years. We can learn from ancient books, scriptures andtraditions that many sages or monks or priests aremeditating on their own way for thousands of years. I amtrying to explain my own experience of the meditation

practice taught to us by Lord Buddha in this short article.The meditation method taught by Buddha is different inmany ways as the teaching is most practical and can bepracticed by anyone, regardless of their understanding ofthe Dharma, the teaching of Buddha. There is no needfor us to stay austere, but take enough and healthy foodthat is required for us to sustain our body. We can meditateanywhere, anytime and in any posture for any length oftime. One does not even need to be Buddhist or belongto a religious sect to meditate. Because of this flexibilitythis practice is popular in the Western world, especiallypeople in various professions, whose work is stressful.

There are many Buddhist meditation practice traditionsin the world. ‘Vipassana’ or insight meditation is the mostpopular and useful one for everyone. The meaning ofinsight meditation is ‘go inside and look’.

Our Mana (thoughts) are like a foal which is always unstable(Chanchal), jumping from here to there until it goes tosleep. In Sanatan tradition and Buddhist scripturesChanchal Mana is compared with mad monkey. We arepondering in all the happenings and we don’t know thatour mind is very unstable, jumping form one thought toanother, one desire to another, one emotion to anotherand so on. Insight meditation is a practice in which we tryto investigate, evaluate, monitor and understand why allthese thoughts of anger, aversion, greed, hatred, goodfeeling, bad feeling arises in our mind. Vipassanameditation helps us to gradually detach us from all thischain of thoughts and helps us to reduce anger, hatred,aversion, greed. It helps us to establish a sublime state ofmind free from all attachments.

We cannot understand meditation by reading books orlistening to lectures or sitting in classroom but we have topractice it and we have to practice it on a regular basis. Wecan learn about the techniques of meditation from classroom lectures or talks from a teacher or from books andarticles. Our mind has been wandering around for manybirths or lives, so it is not possible to tame it by one ortwo day’s meditation practice. We need to practice on aregular basis over a long time. After every meditation theunstable mind become more stable and the level ofconsciousness increase gradually.

Most important thing in my experience is not to give itup because; I have now tried for a week and still no change,so I don’t want to continue. We have to keep in mind thatold saying ‘Rome was not build overnight’. As a result of

May 2015 Lumbini 12

regular practice and efforts in meditation, we start to feeldifferent, see ourselves and others in differently. We feelmore compassionate to others. We naturally arecompassionate to people who we like and meditation helpsus to be compassionate to people we don’t like equally.Whenever, I got up from the meditation, I felt very peacefuland happy.

We do not need to ignore the worldly activities, but notnecessary to react positively or negatively to it. Just takethe event that happened as it is. That does not mean wedon’t help others where possible but not to be unstablebecause we are unable to help. Slowly we start to developchanges in our habit. We learn to appreciate or acceptothers’ feelings, thoughts or way of doing things insteadof having fixed mind. Fixed mind means things must bethis way and it must be my way. This creates conflicts,which are hindrances to a peaceful mind. It is not an easytask to change our thinking or habits. It requires a greatdeal of efforts and practice on a regular basis. Every day,we can give up some of the bad habits, negative thinkingand activities.

There are different techniques of practicing meditation;however the main object of all the techniques is to attainpeace and knowing oneself. The most popular andtraditional way of meditation is lotus seating on a slightlyhigher ground over a cushion or a mat. If full lotus position(Padmasana) is not possible, we can seat on half lotusposition, we can sit on a floor in whichever way iscomfortable. We can sit on a chair or even stand or liedown on the floor for meditation. It is very importantthat we have back straight whatever position we aremeditating. Straight body and head rested on the body,neither leaning forward or backward, will help us to keepour mind to concentrate on the meditation object. If ourbody is bent or head is leaned forward or backward, westart to feel pain and lose our concentration.

Once we choose a comfortable position, we then need todecide on meditation object to concentrate on. Again thereare different traditions and way of choosing an object.One can repeat the name of certain person, deity, god,Buddha or whatever they like. The other most popularmeditation object is ‘Anapanasati’ concentration onbreathing.

Before starting the Anapanasati we can give a few minutesto look through our body. We gently close our eyes andstart scanning through our body from our head to toechecking if any anxiety, pain or discomfort is botheringus. If we have any pain because of sitting posture, we adjustthe posture to make it comfortable, if we have any anxietywe just say to ourselves, let go, let go, let go for few time.This process is called body scanning. Five minutes of body

scanning before starting Anapanasati is very useful. Oncewe are relieved from discomforts, pain and anxieties; wecan start Anapanasati.

We start the meditation by focusing our mind and bodyin the air that goes in and out of our nostrils in everybreath. We can gently close our eyes. Then our mindfocused in the tip of the nose where we can feel the airgoing in and coming out. If it is difficult for us to feel theair in the beginning, we can start by taking three deepbreaths, then start breathing normally. Slowly we start tosee and feel every time we breathe in and breathe out theair. After a few breathe, our mind starts to dwell again inthings that we need to do or things that is bothering us orthoughts of some holiday or any other thing. Whenthoughts arise in our minds, we should realise that it hasarisen but should not judge it. We then say let go, let goand let go three times and start watching the breathing.We can repeat the same process again when our focus isderailed and mind starts dwelling in thoughts.

We may get distracted by noise in the area during ourmeditation, for example a plane flying over, or a car racingor children playing and screaming or any other noise. Wedo not focus on the noise, we notice the noise but againsay let go, let go and let go three times and start focusingin our meditation. In the beginning of meditation, whenour mind is deeply focused, we may start to see differentfigures or illusions, but they will gradually fade away withregular practice. Our mind and body starts to stay peacefuland calm. Anger, aversion, hatred, desire, unnecessaryjudgements of events or incidents starts to fade away. Wecan slowly detach ourselves from the everyday happeningof the world. We remain in sublime and blissful state ofmind. Just to make it clear, detaching does not necessarymean not taking our responsibility, not doing our dailywork to nourish our body or go under a tree and sit therefor days, but not being worried about the success orunsuccessful. Meditation means being mindful of what weare doing or how we are doing or speaking. It is about beingmindful of the affect of our action or speech.

Vipassana meditation may not be fruitful if we are reallytired from physical or mental work. Body scanning is morehelpful in those circumstances. As discussed earlier, we needto find comfortable posture for this type of meditation.Once we are seated comfortably, we then gently close oureyes and start focussing from our head. We can focus onevery part of the head either internal or external, pain ordiscomfort. If there is pain in any part of the head, weanalyse it and say let go three times and gradually repeatthe process moving to neck, shoulders, arms, palm, fingers,back, chest, internal organs like heart, lungs then toabdomen, thighs, knees, legs, feet and toes. If we feel pain

13 Lumbini May 2015

or anxiety or discomfort in any part of the body, then justsay let go three times. This process can be repeated fewtimes. Because our mind is completely focused in the body,our tiredness fades away. We can then start Vipassanameditation again.

Other very useful meditation practice we can adopt iscompassionate thinking or loving kindness (Karuna orMetta Bhawana) before starting a Vipassana. In thismethod we can start thinking compassionately to ourclosest family members first, then other family members,then friends, then work mates, then someone you know,then people in your neighbourhood, then people in thetown, city, country eventually to all people living in theworld. We can then move our compassionate thoughts toother living being like animals, insects, birds, fish, etc. Wecan then move to trees and plants thus covering all livingbeings in the world and beyond. We can show Karuna topeople we love, people we like or people we don’t’ like.

We can show loving kindness by saying for example maythe person be happy, may the person be successful, maythe person be free from suffering, may the person remainhealthy, may the person remain free from anger, aversion,hatred, greed or danger or any other positive statementwe like to make about the person. Showing loving kindnesshelps us to calm ourselves and remain kind and compassionateperson.

We can practice loving kindness at the beginning ofVipassana meditation or while we are on train or goingout for a walk or doing things that does not requires greatdeal of concentration. While we are doing some other jobs,mindful of what we are doing is much better than lovingkindness or body scanning.

Other popular way of being mindful is practicing walkingmeditation. It would be nice to have a grassy area forwalking meditation but it is not essential. We choose adistance, for example one tree to another tree about 50metres (it can be shorter or longer as available) and startwalking gently in the ground. We concentrate on everylift of feet and feel the sensation of touching the groundagain. We can repeat this process for about half an hour (itcan be shorter or longer as needed). If our mind starts toget distracted we can go back to the sensation of liftingand touching the ground. When thoughts arise, we analysethe thoughts but do not judge about it and just say let gothree time and start focusing on walking meditation.

We can meditate anywhere, anytime and any condition,however it is very helpful to practice under the guidanceof an experienced teacher. A teacher’s instructions,guidance, encouragement and motivation are immenselyhelpful for us to continue. Group meditation encourages

participants to share ideas and transfer positive energy toeach other. In the beginning, we may start meditating for15 minutes and gradually increase the time. There is nolower or upper time limit for meditation, but very shortpractice may not be enough to achieve the peaceful mind.We have lots of activities to perform on a daily basis. Wecan add half to one hour meditation activity to our dailyactivities.

Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society organises aone day meditation and Dana offering programme onregular basis. The Society welcomes anyone who isinterested in the one day meditation. Details can beobtained from the members of the Society or from itsweb site. There are a number of Buddhist Monasteries,temples, meditation centres and groups practicing andproviding teaching on meditation. It is important that westart with a short practice session in the beginning even ifwe attend organised classes.

Regular meditation helps us to keep calm and remainpeaceful. It could help us to understand things at its facevalue instead of having our judgements. Gradually we startto identify law of nature and live with it. We cannot changeothers, but we can understand them and change ourselveswhere necessary.

We slowly start to realise our own mistakes instead ofpointing out others. Our whirlwind thinking processcalms down. Instead of being unstable from the past orpresent activities, we are able to observe them and let themgo. In my view meditation is a very good approach topeaceful life. May all living being be in peace on theauspicious occasion of Baisakh Purnima, 2559th BuddhaJayanti.

MMMMMeditation Classeditation Classeditation Classeditation Classeditation ClassDate: Every 3rd Sunday, bimonthlyTime: 9:30 - 15:30For further details, please contact the society orvisit our website: www.lumbini.org.uk

All are welcomeAll are welcomeAll are welcomeAll are welcomeAll are welcome

May 2015 Lumbini 14

Lumbini Declaration of the International BuddhistLumbini Declaration of the International BuddhistLumbini Declaration of the International BuddhistLumbini Declaration of the International BuddhistLumbini Declaration of the International BuddhistConference on Promotion, Protection & PreservationConference on Promotion, Protection & PreservationConference on Promotion, Protection & PreservationConference on Promotion, Protection & PreservationConference on Promotion, Protection & Preservationofofofofof

Buddhist Culture and HeritageBuddhist Culture and HeritageBuddhist Culture and HeritageBuddhist Culture and HeritageBuddhist Culture and Heritage

November 15-18, 2014 (B.E.2558)

At The Lumbini Sacred Garden, Lumbini, Nepal

An International Buddhist Conference on Promotion,Protection and Preservation ofBuddhist Culture and Heritagejointly organised by theTheravada Buddhist Academy,the Lumbini Buddhist Universityof Nepal and International SitaguBuddhist Academy of Myanmaron 15-18 November 2014 atLumbini Sacred Garden, theBirthplace of the Buddha, Nepal,was inaugurated by The RightHonourable Dr. Ram BaranYadav, President of the FederalDemocratic Republic of Nepaland attended by over 800representative members of theSangha, cabinet ministers,diplomats, archeologists,climatologists, environmentalists,Buddhist scholars and journalistsfrom thirty-two countriesincluding the Deputy PrimeMinister of Nepal Hon. PrakashMan Singh, Minister for Culture,Tourism and Civil Aviation ofNepal Hon. Deepak ChandraAmatya, Hon. Union Minister for Religious Affairs ofMyanmar U Soe Win, Mr. Christian Manhart, Head ofOffice and UNESCO Representative to Nepal andUNESCO Asia and the Pacific Unit/ World HeritageCentre Prof. Roland Lin Chih-Hung. At the conclusionof careful deliberations and successful twenty discussionpanels under the five main themes of (1) Buddhist heritagesof Lumbini (2) World Buddhist heritages (3) Buddhistculture (4) Buddhist education system and (5)Environmental conservation in Lumbini, we haveunanimously resolved as follows:

Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini:Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini:Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini:Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini:Buddhist Heritage of Lumbini:

1) Acknowledging the great work of archeologists,UNESCO, donor countries and the Lumbini

Development Trust, Department of Archaeology ofNepal in protecting and preserving the Lumbini SacredGarden, the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha, toharmoniously promote awareness of botharcheological and spiritual values at Lumbini and otherSacred Buddhist sites in Nepal and worldwide;

2) To work together with UNESCO, the LumbiniDevelopment Trust and Department of Archaeologyof Nepal in order to protect and preserve over one

hundred ancient archeologicalsites in the Greater Lumbini Areanot yet covered by the currentprojects by preventingencroachments and developinglong term vision plan for them;

3) To avoid anymisunderstanding betweenmulti-disciplinary expertiseworking in Lumbini with thestakeholders of Buddhistmonastic, scholars andcommunities as well as localcommunities, it is encouraged tobridge the gap between theseexpertise and work together withmutual understanding forsustainable development ofLumbini and surrounding areas;

WWWWWorld Borld Borld Borld Borld Buddhist Huddhist Huddhist Huddhist Huddhist Heritage:eritage:eritage:eritage:eritage:

1) Being fully aware of theneed for development for bothpilgrims and local communities,

to encourage scientifically informed sustainabledevelopment in and around Lumbini as well as otherBuddhist sacred sites;

2) To urgently raise awareness of the danger faced withregards to material culture for example, artifacts,manuscripts and wall paintings etc.;

3) To encourage the active participation, voice and legalright of all stakeholders, laymen and Sangha, inpromoting programmes of Buddhist culturalawareness and in undertaking planning for future orpresent participation or listing in international,national and local heritage organizations fromUNESCO to regional bodies and local non-profitorganizations;

Lumbini DeclarationLumbini DeclarationLumbini DeclarationLumbini DeclarationLumbini Declaration

Ashoka Pillar, Lumbini

15 Lumbini May 2015

4) To raise awareness through grass-roots initiativeswith lay and Sangha participation throughinformation-sharing mechanisms from informationportals to social networks to create a global Buddhistcultural awareness for preservation, promotion andprotection of Buddhist values and cultural heritage.

Buddhist culture:Buddhist culture:Buddhist culture:Buddhist culture:Buddhist culture:

1) Honouring the early Buddhist tradition of co-existence with other religious traditions, to promotethe Buddhist values of tolerance and reasoning basedspiritual enquiry in this interdependently existingworld;

2) In tandem with this to defend Buddhists from thedanger of commercialization and unethical conversionin traditional Buddhist homelands;

3) In order to preserve the peace, serenity and moralvalues of the Buddha and the Lumbini Sacred Garden,that all types of gambling and other activities thatdevalue human dignity be absolutely prohibited fromthe Greater Lumbini Areas and their immediatesurroundings.

Buddhist Education System:Buddhist Education System:Buddhist Education System:Buddhist Education System:Buddhist Education System:

1) To promote a Buddhist moral education system inschools based on the Noble Eightfold Path and thevalue of cultural heritage which in essence meansenlightenment through education exchange;

2) To promote Buddhist educational programmes ofsecular and monastic institutions, non-profit culturaland educational trusts and libraries;

3) To encourage the formation of non-formaleducation inclusive of Buddhist values alongsideprotection, preservation and promotion of Buddhistcultural heritage.

Environmental pollution:Environmental pollution:Environmental pollution:Environmental pollution:Environmental pollution:

1) Recognising the unique character of the NatalLandscape of the Buddha, that a comprehensive andsystematic survey of the Greater Lumbini Area beundertaken,prior to initiating development projects,in order to protect, preserve and promote the regionfurther;

2) Recognising that Buddhist archaeological sites formliving cultural landscapes, that any new structures atsites are located only in areas of low risk to heritageand that they respect 8 design concepts:

(1) Non-intrusive, (2) Reversibility, (3) Shelter,(4) Visibility, (5) Focus, (6) Access, (7) Ownershipand (8) Authentic materials; That interventionsor new constructions with Buddhist cultural sitesshould be tested against these criteria duringHeritage Impact Assessment;

3) That Buddhist Cultural Heritage is a non-renewableresource and that any excavation or archaeologicalinterventions should use as advanced techniques aspossible and results be disseminated and publishedswiftly;

4) That the cultural landscape of Lumbini, Birthplaceof the Buddha, is threatened by the high levels ofpollution and that the relevant authorities takeimmediate action to reduce this threat;

5) That a separate fund for preservation, protectionand promotion of Buddhist heritage be established;

6) That an international association is formed tocoordinate with all concerned to preserve, protect andpromote Buddhist monuments and sites; [See alsopoints 3 and 4 under World Buddhist Heritage]

7) That development of course(s) on Buddhistmonuments and sites for all students, and heritagemanagement courses/programs for Buddhist monksat the university level be coordinated and some sitesas teaching sites be designated; [See also points 2 and3 under Buddhist education]

8) That, bearing in mind the multitude of projectsand plans which are being developed or implementedin Greater Lumbini Area as well as construction of aninternational airport at Bhahirawa which will multiplythe numbers of visitors it is urgent to ensurecoordination to make sure that the Buddhist heritagewill be conserved, the development will benefit thelocal community, the spirituality of the the GreaterLumbini Area preserved and the needs of the religiouscommunities and pilgrims taken into consideration,the conference requests UNESCO to take thecoordination role;

9) That we appeal to the United Nations Organizationto reactivate the United Nations InternationalLumbini Committee under the UNO to worktogether in the promotion, preservation and protectionof Lumbini World Heritage Site.

Done as the Lumbini Declaration of the InternationalBuddhist Conference on Promotion, Preservation andProtection of Buddhist Culture and Heritage on this 17thDay of November 2014 (B.E. 2558).

Courtesy from Bhante Bodhijyana, Nepal

May 2015 Lumbini 16

cd[t sfhL zfSo kml;Soa, Go'/f]8

dfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wddfgl;s lasf; / a'4 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 steptaken 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)

dgdgdgdgdg / dfgl;stf ;+u k|ToIf ;/f]sf/ /fVg] a'4 wd{ O{zf k'j{5}7f} ;tfAbLdf ha /fhs'df/ l;4fy{n] a'4Tj k|fKt u/,] tjb]lvlg/Gt/ ?kdf dfgj sNof0fsf] nfuL k|rngdf cfOg}/x]sf] 5.efjgf gu/]sf] dgdf /fu, 4]if, df]]x h:tf ljsf/x? lg/Gt/?kdf pTkGg eOg} /xg] x'G5 . xfd|f] ef}lts z/L/, hGdd/0fsf] lg/Gt/tf, xfd|f] pGglt cjglt, ;a} of] dg;+u g};DalGwt s'/fx? xf] . ;+;f/df AofKt b'Mvx?sf] sf/0f /lgjf/0fsf] vf]hLsf] s|ddf oL ;j} s'/fx?sf] ;DaGw xfdLeGbf aflx/ st} geP/ xfd|f] cfkm\g} dg ;+u kf] /x]5,, dgdfAofKt /fu, 4]if / df]x cflb dfgl;s lasf/x?nfO{ lgld6\ofGgkfg{ ;lsof] eg] dfgl;stfsf] ;sf/fTds lasf;sf] cfwf/lnP/ o; b'Mv rs|af6 d'St x'g ;lsg] /x]5 eg]/ hj l;4fy{uf}tdn] ktf nufP pgL a'4 ag] / Tof] k|ljlw pgn] hgdfg;dfklg aFf8]. cglulGt dflg;x?n] pgsf] of] k|ljlwnfO{ ckgfP/z'4 / d'St cj:yfsf] k|ToIf cg'ej u/] . dfgl;s lasf/nfO{gZ6 u/]/ pRrtd dfgl;s lasf;sf] l:yltdf k'u].

wd{ / ;Dk|bfos} ?kdf /x]tf klg a'4 wd{ ;+;f/df Pp6f o:tf]wd{ xf] h;df dfgl;s lasf;sf] pRr ;Defjgfsf] k|ToIfcj;/sf] cEof; ug{ cGo ;dk|bfosf cg'ofoLx? / wd{u'?x?;d]t klg ;lDdlnt x'G5g\ . ;lx:0f'tfsf] o;eGbf 7"nf]pbfx/0f cGo s'g wd{, ;Dk|bfodf kfpg ;lsG5 / < h]g]efl:yt wflds tyf cWoflTds k|ultsf] nflu cGt//fli6|o ;Dd]ngICARUS n] xfn;fn} a'4 wd{nfO{ ljZjs} ;j{>]i7 wd{sf]pkflw k|bfg u/]sf] 5, h'g pkflwsf] kIfdf dtbfg ug{]x?ax';+Vos wd{g]tf / u'?x? cGo dtfjnlDjx?g} lyP . a'4wd{sf] dfgl;s lasf; ;+usf] ;'dw'/, zzSt / k|efjsf/L;DaGwsf] sf/0f n] ubf{ g} jxFfx?n] o; wd{sf] kIfdf dtbfgug'{ePsf] dfGg' k5{ . dfgl;s lasf; / a'4 wd{sf] ;DaGwdfhfGg oxFf dg, dfgl;stf, o;sf] lasf; s|d, a'4, wd{ /loglx? jLrsf] cGt/;DaGwnfO{ s|da4 ?kdf hfGg cfj:osx'G5 .

dgdgdgdgdg g} dflg;df ;dflxt ;jeGbf ;Dj]bfzLn tTj xf] . dgs}u'0f, wd{, :jefjsf] cj:yf cg'?k g} dflg;sf] :t/nfO{ d'Nof+sgul/g] ul/G5 . olx dgnfO{ cfTd;ft ul//fv]sf]n] g} dflg;eGg] zJb aGof] . hlt k|efjzfnL dg dflg;n] kfof] zfob} s'g}hGt' hgfj/n] kfPg xf]nf . aLh /fd|} ePklg df6f]sf] u'0f,aflx/L jftfj/0fsf] k|efj cflbn] To;sf] pTkfbsTjdf ljljwtfcfPh:t} :jefj}]n] ljz'4 dg klg aflx/L jftfj/0fsf] ;Dks{dfcfPk5L km/s km/s dfgl;stf k|s6 ug{] :jefjsf] aGghfg]x'G5 . ;+;f/ dgs} pkh xf] . /fd|f] dfgl;stfn] /fd|f] ;+;f/sf]lgdf{0f x'G5 eg] g/fd|f] dfgl;stfn] g/fd|f] . b'lgux:;f] nx'gf]oTysfd lgkfltgf],1 If0f If0f df pTkGg x'g] htftt} bu'g{]

:j]R5frfl/ eg]/ dgnfO{ O{+uLt ul/Psf] 5 . dflg;x? k|fodfgl;s zflGt / ;Gt'li6s} nfuL k|To]s sfo{x? ul//x]sfx'G5g\ . ;dfg cj:yfdf km/s km/s dflg;x?sf] dfgl;stfkm/s km/s x'G5g\ . ;a} dflg;x?sf] Ps} ;dfgsf] dfgl;stfcsNklgo g} 5 . ;+;f/sf] lg/Gt/tf km/s dfgl;stfs} pkhdfGg ;lsG5 . AolSt AolSt aLrsf] ;dfg dfgl;stfn] ;+;f/sf] ultzLntfnfO{ g} /f]lslbg ;S5 . x/]s dflg; cfkm}dfcbe't 5 eg]/ cfw'lgs lj1fgsf wd{u'? /hlgzn] To;} eg]sfxf]Ogg\ . dflg;x?sf] km/s dfgl;stfsf] z'Id cWoog af6jxfFn] of] s'/f k|s6 ug{‘ePsf] xf] . ;+;f/s} pTkltsfn b]lvsf]dflg;x?sf]] dfgl;stfsf] cWoog ug{] xf] eg] zfob} klxn] /clxn]sf] dfgl;stf df s]xL km/s cfpb}g . ef}lts ?kdf;+;f/ hlt kl/jt{g eO/x]sf] 5, dfgl;s ?kdf zfob} s'g} kl/jt{g cfPsf] xf]; . cl:y/ :jefjsf] dfgl;stfn] lg/Gt/tfdfkl/jt{g gx'g'nfO{ g} oxFf dfgl;stfdf kl/jt{g gcfpg' eg]/cleAoSt ul/Psf] xf] . dfgl;s :t/df kl/jt{g gcfpg'sf]sf/0f / lgjf/0fsf] cufl8 rrf{ ul/g]5 .

h'g s'/fsf] hlt cefj To;sf] cfj:ostf Tolt g} al9 x'G5 .dflg;n] dgnfO{ slxNo} ;Gt'it kfg{ ;s]g / olx s|dn] ;Sg]5}g klg . cflv/ ef}lts lasf; s|d g} olx dfgl;s c;Gt'li6sf]pkh xf] . cfk'm;+u pknAw ePsf] a:t'n] dflg;nfO{ slxNo}lrTt a'em]g . gofF / :t/Lo ;]jf / ;'lawfsf] vf]lh ul/of] .o;}nfO{ lasf; eGg] gfd lbOof] . lasf; slxNo} k'0f{ ePg .k'/fgf] lasf;nfO{ ;Fw} gofF lasf;n] cf]em]ndf kfof]{ . gofF gofFt[i0ffn] lasf;nfO{ emgemg lasl;t ub}{ nUof] . z'?sf]lasf;s|d;+u bfFh]/ x]bf{ cfh ;+;f/ slt lasl;t eO;Sof] .dflg;sf] z'?sf] cj:yfsf] -afNofj:yf_ lasf;s|d /b[:ofj:yfnfO{ x]g]{ xf] eg] $) sf] bzsdf k'Ubf ;Dd hLjgPp6f c;xh syfsf] ?kdf k/L0ft eO;s]sf] x'G5 . clasl;tdfgl;stfn] ef}lts lasf;nfO{ slxNo} k'0f{ x'g lbg] b]lvb}g .ef}lts pknlAwdf dfgl;s ;Gt'li6 ufleP/ cfpg] xf] eg] Tof]g} clGtd pknlAw x'g] 5 . em6\6 x]bf{ ef}lts lasf; eg]s}dfgl;s lagfz h:t} b]lvg cfpF5 . hlt hlt dg c;Gt'i6eof] Tolt g} gofF lasf;sf] >[hgf x'g] b]lvof], hlt w]/} ;'lawfTolt g} w]/} b'Mv eGbf oxfF cgf}7f] x'b}g . dfgl;stfsf] lasf;n]ef}lts lasf;sf] ult t /f]lsg] 5}g sL eGg] klg nfUg ;S5 .ef}lts lasf;n] dfgl;s lasf;sf] klg ;fy kfP lasf; lagfzlt/ hfg af6 kSs} hf]lug] 5 . cfhsf] o'usf] laZn]if0f ug]{ xf]eg] lasf;sf] utL clt 8/nfUbf] 5 . xNsf dfgl;s lasf/ ?kLcfuf]sf] lemNsf o; k|HjngzLn lasf;df kg]{ xf] eg] 7"nf]la:kmf]6sf] ;Defjgf 5 . lasf;df dfgl;s lasf/sf] k|efjaf6pJh]sf] ;fgf 7"nf b'3{6gfx?af6 ePsf] lagfz af6 hut

17 Lumbini May 2015

cgle1 sbfkL 5}g . ;Gt'li6 eGbfklg o; lasf;nfO{;sf/fTds ?kdf lng / pko'St k|of]hgdf Nofpg /fd|f]dfgl;stfsf] cfj:ostf ckl/xfo{ 5 .

;dos|d cg'?k a:t' / ljifosf] kl/efiff klg abln+b} hfg]x'G5 . pbfx/0fsf] nflu klxn] Aofkf/nfO{ gfkmf / gf]S;fgsf]laifodf dfq s]lGb|t u/]/ x]l/GYof] eg] cfh o;df ;]jf, ;'ljwf/ O{dfGbfl/tf klg hf]l8Psf] x'G5 . of] O{dfGbfl/tf x/]s ljifodfhf]l8g cfPsf] 5 . O{dfGbfl/tf dfgl;s tTj -mind factor_ xf],h'g tTjaf6 cfhsf] o'udf s'g} ljifo klg c5'tf] /xg ;Sb}g.;sf/fTds dfgl;stfn] x/]s ljifodf ;sf/fTds kl/0ffdNofpF5 . To;}n] t cfhsf] ljZjdf x/]s If]qdf sfo{bIftf /pRr pTkfbsTjsf] nflu dfgl;s k|lzIf0f lbg] sfo{sf] s|da9]sf] kfOG5 . dfgl;s lasf;sf] k|ultsf] nIf0f ;a}eGbfklxnf AolSt :jo+df b]lvg] s'/f xf], lasf; jf ef}lts lasf;t o;sf] c;/x? -side effects_ dfq x'g . lasl;t dfgl;stfePsf] AolStsf] dg ;sf/fTds ;f]r / sfo{lt/ g} s]lGb|t /cu|;/ x'g] ub{5 .

To;f] t ;Eotfsf] z'?sf] ;do b]lvg} l;ldt dflg;x? dfgl;slasf;sf] ;'q vf]Hg df nfluk/]sf] b]lvG5 . cfk'mn] ljleGgk|s[of tyf cEof;af6 k|fKt u/]sf] dfgl;s lasf;sf] k|ljlwnfO{pgLx?n] cfk'mdf dfq l;ldt g/flvsg hgdfg;nfO{ klgpkxf/ lbP . o;f] u/]/ pgLx?n] cfkm\gf] lasl;t dfl;stfsf]pbf/tf k|bz{g u/] . kl5Nnf] ;dodf u/]sf vf]lhlgtL /pTvggx?n] s/La ^ xhf/ aif{ cufl8 klg x8Kkf /dlxGbf]w/f2 eGg] :yfgsf dflg;x? cfkm\gf] dfgl;stfdf ;'wf/Nofpg of]u Wofg / >dg k/Dk/fsf] cjnDjg uy]{ eGg]tYox? km]nf k/]sf] 5 . cfk'mnfO{ k|fKt ePsf] ;sf/fTdss'/fx?nfO{ cfk'mdf dfq l;ldt g/flv hgdfg;sf] lxtsf]nflu k|rf/ k|;f/ ug'{ g} lasl;t dfgl;stfsf] nIf0f xf] . To;j]nfsf ljb\jfgx?n] vf]h]sf dfgl;s lasfzsf ;'qx?, h'gw]/} g} k|efjsf/L lyP, cfh;Dd klg obfsbf k|of]udf g} 5g\.

o;/L kf}/fl0fs ?kdf dfq xf]Og P]ltxfl;s ?kdf klg dfgl;slasf;sf] s|dnfO{ cWoog cg';Gwfg ug{ ;sLG5 . obfsbf?Ug dfgl;stf ePsf dflg;x?n] cdfgjtfsf] r/dtfdfk'u]/ ;EotfnfO{ laufg]{ sfd klg gu/]sf] xf]Og, o; k|sf/sfdflg;x?sf] k|e'Tjdf k/]/ ;LFuf] /fi6| / hgtfx?sf] dfgl;stfv:s]sf] klg kfpg ;lsG5 . unt dfgl;stfn] cdfgjtflgDTofPsf] s'/fx? Oltxf;df w]/} k9g kfOG5 . /fi6«n] k|To]sk6s gofF zf;lso :j?k kfpFbf hgtfdf Pp6f gofF dfgl;stflasf; ePsf] kfpg ;lsG5, slxn] dfgl;s lasf;sf] ?kdft slxn] lasf/sf] ?kdf . dfgl;s lasf;df zf;sx?sf]e'ldsf xfdL ;d|f6 czf]ssf]3 zf;gsfnaf6 /fd|/L cWog ug{;S5f} . s;/L pgn] r08fzf]saf6 wdf{zf]s ePk5L ;Dk'0f{hg;d'bfosf] dfgl;s :t/ pGgtLsf] nflu sfo{ u/] eGg]s'/f Oltxf;n] :ki6 b]vfpFb5 .

af}4 hutn] wd{nfO{ ;Dk|bfosf] ?kdf eGbf :jefjsf] ?kdfa9L l:jsf/]sf] kfOG5 . t/klg s'g} c;n :jefjsf] k|fb'ef{j

ug]{ AolStsf] pTt/flwsf/Lx?n] k5L uP/ Tof] :jefjnfO{;Dk|bfosf] ?kdf a9L k|Voft u/]sf] kfOG5 . wd{nfO{ l/Gt/tflbg ;Dk|bfo ?kL n6\7Lsf] cfj:ostf ckl/xfo{ klg b]lvG5 .wd{ wd{df dfq l;ldt /Xof] eg] o:sf] cfo' klg l;ldt x'ghfG5 . ;do kl/l:ylt cg';f/ o;df las[tLx? klg ld;fj6x'b} g} hfG5 . of] s|d /f]Sg' c;+ej k|fo g} x'G5 . laleGg;dosfndf laleGg wfld{s g]tfx? k|fb'ef{j eP, pgLc?n]laleGg ;Dk|bfox? NofP klg . ;Dk\bfonfO{ dfuLvfg] efF8f]agfP . :jwd]{ gLwg+ >]o k/wd{ eofjx eg]/ cfkm\gf] wd{sf]tfl/km / c?sf] wd{nfO{ xf]Rofpg vf]h] klg . ofjt hLj] ;'v+hLj] C0f+ s[Tjf 3[t+ lkj]4 eGg] vfnsf] C0f sf9]/ ePklg cfk'm;'v ;+u hLpg' k5{ eGg] las[t dfgl;stf ePsf cwfld{sljrf/wf/fx? klg b]vfk/] . 7"nf] wfld{s ;+hfn} agfP/ leq leq}cwfld{s s[ofsnfkx? ;+rfng ug]{ AolSt / ;+:yfx? klg k9g/ ;'Ggdf gkfOg] xf]Og .

dfgl;s lasf; / dfgl;stfnfO{ wd{s]f -:jefjsf]_{ wd{s]f -:jefjsf]_{ wd{s]f -:jefjsf]_{ wd{s]f -:jefjsf]_{ wd{s]f -:jefjsf]_ k|ToIfkl/k'/ssf] ?kdf lng ;lsG5 . /fd|f] dfgl;stfn] s'g}klgwd{nfO{ ;2wd{df kl/0ft ug{ vf]H5 eg] g/fd|f] dfgl;stfn]cwd{df . Pp6f ;fgf] cfuf]sf] lemNsfnfO{ vfgf ksfpg k|of]uu/]/ hLjg bftfsf] ?kdf Nofpg ;lsG5 / al:tsf al:t g}:jfxf kfg{] hLjg x/tfsf] ?kdf klg b]Vg ;lsG5 . cfuf]sf]:jefjwd{ t kf]Ng' / hnfpg' dfq g xf] . To:t} kfgLsf] wd{zLtn kfg{‘, lehfpg', aufpg' xf], sf]Onfsf] sfnf] kfg{‘, cfuf]agfpg' xf] . cTtgf] :jefj wf/tL lt wDd+, h;n] h:tf]:jefj wf/0f u5{ To;sf] wd{ ;f]lx ;f]lx g} x'G5 . ;fwf/0ftofwd{ zAbn] s'zn / cs'zn dWo] s'zn wd{nfO{ g} O+uLtu/]sf] x'G5 . wDd+ /Svlt wDdrf/L eg]/ ;b\wd{ cfr/0fug]{nfO{ Tolx ;b\wd{n] /Iff u5{ eGg] cy{ lbG5 .

x/]s ljifoa:t' / :jefjsf] ljefhg u/]/ z'Id ?kdf cWoogug]{ a'4 wd{df o; wd{nfO{ klg sf/0f / lgjf/0f ;xLt ;'Id?kdf cWoog ug]{ s|ddf o] wDdf x]t'Kkejf t];+ x]t' tyfutf]cfx, t];+r of] lg/f]wf] Pj+jfbL dxf;dgf] eg]/ eujfgsf] /jxfFsf] wd{sf] kl/ro :jefj;+o'St eP/ lbPsf] kfOG5 .

/fhs'df/ l;2fy{n] ;+;f/df clgTo / b'Mvsf] cg'ej u/], o;af6la/St eP/ o;}nfO{ ;fwg k|lalw agfP/ cgfzSt eP/ ;DosWofg efjgf u/]/ cfk'mdf a'4Tjsf] k|fb'ef{j u/] . hGd d/0faf6kf/ x'g;Sg], ef}ltstfnfO{ clts|d0f ug{;Sg], dfgl;s Ifdtfsf]lasf; u/] . To;f] t To;a]nf dfgl;s lasf;sf] s|d uPu'h|]sf]t kSs} lyPg . eujfg a'4s} ;dsflng u'? lab\jfgx? klggePsf xf]Ogg\ . j]b, a|fDx0f wd{ klg pRr lasl;t cj:yf d}lyP . l;2fy{ uf}td cfkm}klg clelgleis|d0f5 k5L cfnf/snfd/ p2s/fdk'q h:tf laleGg u'?x?;+u lzIff cWoog ub}{ rfl/sf u/]sf lyP . t/klg cWoogsf] prLt k|lalw gx'Fbf cfs+flIftnIf k|fKt x'g;s]sf] lyPg . To; ;dosf] k|rlnt cEof;x?dfh'g e|d -confusion_ lyof], Tof] k'0f{ dfgl;s lasf; sf] afwstTjsf] ?kdf lyof] . o;}sf] leqL tx;Dd k'u]/ To;sf] sf/0fnfO{ clts|d0f u/]/ a'4Tj xfl;n ug{ rfxGy] l;2fy{ uf}td .

May 2015 Lumbini 18

To;}sf/0fn] To;a]nf k|rlnt zf:jt6 b]lv pR5]bjfb7 ;Dd /sfd;'vNnLsfg'of]u8 b]lv cTysLndTyfg'of]u9 ;Ddsf] cEof;u/] l;2fy{ uf}tdn] . cGtdf oL ;a} k|lalw Aoy{ a'em]/, To;nfO{Tofu]/ dWod dfu{sf] k|lalw ckgfP/ dfgl;s lasf;sf] pRrtdtx, a'4Tj k|fKt u/]/ l;2fy{ uf}td a'4uf}td a'4uf}td a'4uf}td a'4uf}td a'4 ag] . Pp6f pRrtdk|lalwsf] k|fb'e{fj eof], h;n] k'/fgf ;a} lzIff k|lalwnfO{ 5]pnufOlbP . s|da4 / af]wuDo tl/sfsf] of] k|lalw x/]s ju{,k]zf, dfgl;s Ifdtf ePsfx?sf nflu cr's ;flat eof] .

a'4 wd{df zLn cfwf/zLnf xf] . k~rzLnn]10 ;bfrf/L hLjgsf]afXo hut -k|s[tL_ ;+u tfbfTDo ldnfpg ;xfotf u5{ eg] yk# zLnn]11 gLtfGt cfGt/Ls laz'l4 Nofp5 . ;lx arg,Aoaxf/ / k]zf zLn cGtu{t k5{, h;sf] ;lx cjnDagn]dflg; dflg; aLr / c? k|f0fL aLr ;f}xfb{tf clea[l4 u5{ .o;af6 dfgl;s lasf/ sd eO{ yk pRr:t/sf] dfgl;slasf; lt/ canDag x'g / ;dflwsf] nflu nfos agfOlbG5.

lrTtsf] r~rntf g} dfgl;s lasfzsf] afws xf] To;nfO{zfGtkfg{ ;dflwn] 7"nf] e'ldsf v]Nb5 . lrTtdf ;lx Psfu|tfcfof] eg] hLjgsf] jf:tlastf :k:t xF'b}hfG5, ;lx s] xf] /unt s] xf] 5'l6+b} hfG5 . cfk'm / c?df ;dfgtf b]lvg yfN5,c?nfO{ bf]if y'kfg]{ k|a[lt x/fP/ hfG5 . ;Aa];Ttf sDds:;sfsDdbfofbf sDdof]lg sDdkltz/0ff o+ sDd+ sl/;lGt sNof0f+jf kfks+ t];+ bfofbf ela;lGt12 eg]/ ha :k:6 x'G5, cs'znsd{ ug{af6 6fl9G5 . of] dfgl;s lasf;s} nIf0f xf] .

s'g}klg pTkGg a:t' jf :jefjdf lg/Gt/tf x'Fb}g eGg] hLjg/ hutsf] jf:tlastfnfO{ “cxf] b'Mv” eg]/ hfg]/ To;k|ltsf]d / d]/f] eGg] cfzlSt (attachment) gfz eO{ cgfTd efjgfpTkGg x'ghfG5 . sfo{ sf/0fsf] ;DaGwnfO{13 oyfy{ ?kdfa'e]m/ x/]s a:t' tyf :jefj lagfzzLn 5, h'g lagfzzLn xf]Tof] b'Mv}dfq xf] eg]]/ yfxf gkfpg' g} claBf xf] / o;}sf]sf/0f afFls P3f/ j6f tTjx?14 ;+rfngdf cfP/ hLjg s|dsf]lg/Gt/tf cl3 al9/xg] xf], eg]/ oyfy{ yfxf kfP/ cfotg /cfnDagsf] ;Dks{df t[i0ff xf]Og k|1f hufpg ;kmn xG5 .s'g}klg a:t'sf] :jtGt| cl:tTjg} /x]g5, k/lge{/tfd} of] hLjg/ hutsf] s|d ;+rfngdf cfO/x]sf] /x]5, eg]/ :j cg'eaaf6a'e\mb5, t b'Mvrs|sf] gfz u5{, wd{rs|sf] pbo u5{ . AolStcfk}mdf a'4 a'4 a'4 a'4 a'4 aGb5 . o;/L txut ?kdf a'4 wd{n] dfgl;slasf; ;+u k|ToIf ;DaGw /fvL o;nfO{ pRrtd tx ;Ddk'o{fpb5 . o:tf] ;DaGw c? s'g wd{df kfpg ;lsG5 / <

Ok' 5}7f} ;tfAbLOk' 5}7f} ;tfAbLOk' 5}7f} ;tfAbLOk' 5}7f} ;tfAbLOk' 5}7f} ;tfAbL, h'g ;do ;+;f/sf laleGg 7fpFx?df w]/}wfld{s tyf cWoflTds lab\jfgx?sf] hGd eof], laleGg;Dk|bfox?sf] z'?jft eof], oL ;a}df eujfg a'4sf] lzIffcAang 7xl/of] . dflg;x?sf] hL1f;f zfGt ug{, pgLx?nfO{zflGtdfu{ lt/ pGd'v ug{ / pgLx?sf] dfgl;s lasf;sf]pTyfg ug{ ;kmn eof] . To;}n] c? ;a} wd{ ;Dk|bfosf] cufl8a'4 wd{ Pp6f pHjn / rlDsnf] tf/f h:t} eP/ cufl8 a9of],rf}tkmL{ cjnDjg / cg'df]bg ul/of] . w]/} las[t dfgl;stfePsfx? o; wd{nfO{ cjnDag u/]/ kl/:s[t dfgl;stfsf]

eP/ lg:s] . c+u'lndfn h:tf s|'/ xTof/f, czf]s / slgis15

h:tf s|'/;] s|'/ zfzsx? o; wd{sf] ;+utdf cfP/ kl/jt{geP/ ;Dk'0f{ ;Tjk|f0fL k|lt s?0ffdoL eP / cfk[m dfq xf]Og;a}nfO{ d}qL, s?0ff, d'lbtf / pk]Iffsf] efjgf ug{ clek|]l/tu/] .

;dos|d ;+u} o; a'4 wd{df klg cfGtl/s / afXo k|efax?kb}{ uP, cfk}m cfk}mdf klg lavl08t eP16. ;+;f/df gofF zfzs,gofF l;bfGt, gofF ;Dk|bfox? cfP, laleGg bjfjx? cfP,dflg;x?sf] OR5f, cfsf+Iff, ck]Iffx? km/s km/s x'b}uP . t/ljifd ;] ljifd kl/l:yltdf klg a'4 wd{n] dfgl;s lasf;sf]cfk\mgf] d'n dd{ g5f]l8sg cfk'mdf ;do ;fk]lIfs kl/jt{gNofP/, pkfo sf}zNo ckgfP/, cflba'4 / af]lw;Tjsf]cjwf/0ff NofP/ xf]; jf a'4f] ej]o+ hutf] lxtfo eg]/ dxfofgsf]l;bfGt NofP/ xf]; jf ;j]{fksf/+ hutf] lxtfo eg]/ jh|ofgsf]l;bfGt NofP/ xf]; jf d'lt{, dGq, d'b|f, d08n cfk'mdf ;dfj];u/]/ xf];, h'g b]z, :yfg, ;dodf k'Uof] Tolx cg'?k :j?ku|x0f u/]/ hgdfg;sf] dfgl;s pTyfg ul/g} /x], hLjGtalgg} /x] . g]kfnd08ndf g]jf/ af}4 wd{ -Newar Buddhism)o;} pkfo sf}zNosf] Pp6f pbfx/l0fo gd'gf xf] .

cfhsf] laZjdf a'4 wd{ cToflws ?rfOPsf] 5, o;nfO{cjnDag ug{]x? lbgfg'lbg al9g} /x]sf] 5 . kfZrfTo b]zx?dfklg o; l;2fGtx?sf] cWoog, cg';Gwfg / cg';/0f a9bf] 5.dfgl;s lasf; ;+u a'4 wd{sf] ;sf/fTds ;DaGw g} o;sf]d'n sf/0f xf] . o;}sf] sf/0f a'4 wd{ laZjdf lg/Gt/ ?kdfcufl8 al9/x]sf] 5 / al9g} /xg] 5 .

lr/+ lt7\6t' ;4Ddf] !

(Footnotes)1 wd{kb2 k~hfjsf] l;Gw k|fGt3 ef/tjif{sf] ;d|ft, O{. k'.@^(-@@&4 rfjf{s l;bfGt5 u[xTofu6 O{Zj/ 5 eGg] jfb7 s]lxklg 5}g eGg] jfb8 sfd;'v df e'Ng]9 d'lStsf] nflu z/L/nfO{ si6 lbg]10 lx+;f, rf]/L, Jolerf/ gug{‘, e'm7f] gaf]Ng', hfF8 gvfg‘11 ;+uLtdf ge'Ng', dWofGxkl5 gvfg', pRr cf;gdf g;'Tg'12 a'4arg, sd{g} ;a}yf]s xf] eGg] cy{13 k|ltTo ;d'Tkfb, Theory of dependent origination14;+:sf, lj1fg, gfd?k, if8fotg, :kz{, j]bgf, t[i0ff,pkfbfg, ej, hflt, h/fd/0f15 ef/taif{, ;g &* !)!16 t]>f] ;+wfogf, ;d|ft czf]ssf] kfnf;Dd leIf';+3 !*lgsfosdf laefhg eO;s]sf]

19 Lumbini May 2015

/

~LNBDS

Membership of the SocietyMembership of the SocietyMembership of the SocietyMembership of the SocietyMembership of the SocietyMembers whose valued memberships are due for renewal and new members who would like to support the society by becominga member are requested to complete the section below and return it to the society’s address 14 14 14 14 14 TTTTTorororororonto Aonto Aonto Aonto Aonto Avvvvvenue, Menue, Menue, Menue, Menue, Manor Panor Panor Panor Panor Pararararark,k,k,k,k,London E12 5JFLondon E12 5JFLondon E12 5JFLondon E12 5JFLondon E12 5JF, UK , UK , UK , UK , UK with your cheque made out to Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK) or LNBDS (UK). Wevery much hope you will support the society by renewing your membership or by becoming a member.MMMMMembership embership embership embership embership for 1 year: IIIIIndividual ndividual ndividual ndividual ndividual -£ 10.00, FFFFFamily - amily - amily - amily - amily - £ 25.00, Life MLife MLife MLife MLife Membership - embership - embership - embership - embership - £ 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: ................................................

AAAAAppeal for Nppeal for Nppeal for Nppeal for Nppeal for Nepal Earepal Earepal Earepal Earepal Earthquake thquake thquake thquake thquake VVVVVictims 2015ictims 2015ictims 2015ictims 2015ictims 2015

Lumbini Dana Fund was established with the sole purpose of providing help and support to those in needs. Thisyear 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 whatwe can do is to provide help and support to those in need which are enormous. Hence please be generous anddonate 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, accountnumber: 70165093. If you are making donation by cheque please make it payable to ‘L‘L‘L‘L‘LUMBINI DANAUMBINI DANAUMBINI DANAUMBINI DANAUMBINI DANAFUND,FUND,FUND,FUND,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)

May 2015 Lumbini 20

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“The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for thepast, nor to worry about the future, but to live the present moment wiselyand earnestly.”

~ Gautama Buddha

WWWWWe wish He wish He wish He wish He wish Happappappappappy By By By By Buddha Duddha Duddha Duddha Duddha Day to all on theay to all on theay to all on theay to all on theay to all on theauspicious occasion of BE 2559.auspicious occasion of BE 2559.auspicious occasion of BE 2559.auspicious occasion of BE 2559.auspicious occasion of BE 2559.

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BBBBBuddha Juddha Juddha Juddha Juddha Jayanti.ayanti.ayanti.ayanti.ayanti.

21 Lumbini May 2015

FFFFFrrrrrom: om: om: om: om: TTTTTsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim ZangmoangmoangmoangmoangmoDear Mr. Sthapit,

Please correct your kind article mentioning the murderof Akong Tulku Rinpoche on 8 October 2013 in theLumbini magazine.

Kagyu Samye Ling was co-founded by Chogyam TrungpaRinpoche and Akong Rinpoche in 1967 and not by AkongRinpoche's brother who is the present Abbot of SamyaLing Choje Lama Yeshe Losal Rinpoche.

Lama Yeshe is also Director of Holy Isle Project.

Thank youTsultrim Zangmo21-7-2014

RRRRReply: eply: eply: eply: eply: VVVVVenerable Generable Generable Generable Generable Gelongma elongma elongma elongma elongma TTTTTsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim Zsultrim Zangmoangmoangmoangmoangmo

My apology for delay in replying to your communicationregarding our error in publishing the news about murderof Akong Rinpoche in our society’s 2014 issue ofLumbini. I am grateful for your kindness in notifying us.On behalf of Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society(UK) I would like to apologise for this error. We willcorrect the mistake by publishing your letter in the nextissue of Lumbini which will come out in 2015. I willsend you a copy once published at the following address.Let me know if this address is correct.

Kagyu SKagyu SKagyu SKagyu SKagyu Samyamyamyamyamye Ling Me Ling Me Ling Me Ling Me Ling Monasteronasteronasteronasteronastery and y and y and y and y and TTTTTibetan Centribetan Centribetan Centribetan Centribetan Centre,e,e,e,e,Eskdalemuir, Langholm, Dumfriesshire, DG13 0QL,Scotland, UK

FFFFFrrrrrom: Nom: Nom: Nom: Nom: Nyanarato Byanarato Byanarato Byanarato Byanarato Bhikkhuhikkhuhikkhuhikkhuhikkhu

Dear Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit,Founder President and Editor,

The journal did arrive to me. I was thinking of thankingyou for it, but I missed to do it much quicker. Pleaseforgive me.

Anumodana for your work. And I am grateful for theopportunity that I could share my experience with Nepalesepeople. Through your encouragement, I managed to writetwo essays, the first one on patience some years ago andthis current one. It helped me to ponder more clearly. Ishared the former one with some of my friends and theyseemed to appreciate it.

I hope your work will continue to contribute the societyboth Nepalese and beyond by pointing the true happinessand harmony, the most precious.

With Metta,Nyanarato Bhikkhu28 June 2014 20:16:48

FFFFFrrrrrom Jom Jom Jom Jom Jaya Chips- a Baya Chips- a Baya Chips- a Baya Chips- a Baya Chips- a Buddhist practitioner:uddhist practitioner:uddhist practitioner:uddhist practitioner:uddhist practitioner:

Many thanks for your society’s journal Lumbini. I enjoyedreading it immensely especially the article on ‘Healingpower of meditation’ by Dr. Latha Hapugoda. I have giventhe magazine to my sister to read as I thought she willbenefit from reading this article. Many best wishes.

Jaya Chips.

Letters to EditorLetters to EditorLetters to EditorLetters to EditorLetters to Editor

Dr. Bhadra Dhoj Karki passed away on 3rdFebruary 2015 at his home in Manchester UK. Hewas our society's life member and founder memeberof Nepalese Doctors' Association (UK).

Mr. Giridhhar Manandhhar passed away on 26February 2015 in Nepal. He was our society's lifemember. Late Manandhar was beloved husband ofMrs. Lochan Manandhar (life memeber) and brotherof our society's long time well wisher Mr. ShashidharManandhar (life member).

Condolences

Mrs. Dev Maya Maharjan who passed away atthe age of 78 on 11 March 2015 in Nepal. She wasthe beloved mother of our Society's advisiorVenerable Bhikkhu Sujankirti.

The Society also would like to express our deepestsympathy to family whose beloved family members,friends and countrymen died due to earthquackdisaster in Nepal on Saturday, 25 April 2015.

Anicca Vata Sankhara(All Conditions are impermanant)

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

May 2015 Lumbini 22

LNBDS (UK) Activities and News 2014/2015

25582558255825582558ththththth B B B B Buddha Juddha Juddha Juddha Juddha Jayanti Celebration (Sayanti Celebration (Sayanti Celebration (Sayanti Celebration (Sayanti Celebration (Sundayundayundayundayunday, 25-5-, 25-5-, 25-5-, 25-5-, 25-5-2014): 2014): 2014): 2014): 2014): Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)celebrated 2558th Buddha Jayanti in the afternoon ofSunday, 25th May 2014 at Harrow Borough FootballClub. The programme started with Buddha Puja - offeringof flowers, candles etc., administration of five precepts

(pañca-sila) and chanting by LodroThayeBhante inMahayana tradition.

Venerable Bhikkhu Sumana, president of the society gavean inspiring talk on Dana. He pointed it out that Dana(an act of giving) with pure heart is beneficial not only toreceiver but also to giver. Receiver benefit from what heor she has received and donor benefit mentally from thesatisfaction he/she gets by knowing that he/she was ableto help someone whose needs were greater than his/herneeds. Bhante quoted Bill Gates on this, “Happiestmoment in his life was when he was donating money fora worthy cause.”

This year for the first time programme included recitationfrom Dhammapada. Anu Sthapit and NaniShovaShakyarecited following two verses and Amrit Ratna Sthapitexplained their meaning.

“Hatreds never cease through hatred in this world; throughlove alone they cease. This is an eternal law.

“Headfulness is the path to deathless, headlessness is the pathto death. The heedful do not die; the headless are like untothe dead.”

Dr. RasanaBajracharya explained the Buddhist conceptsof Samsara (The wheel of Life) using power pointpresentation. She explained this is found in most TibetanGompas and Tankas depicting this is widely available in

Kathmandu. Following this SujanBhante conducted aguided meditation after a brief explanation why we shouldmeditate. Mr Surya Bahadur Thapa from NepaleseEmbassy spoke briefly and said we are proud that theBuddha was born in Nepal but we had not been able topromote his teaching to the world.

We also showed a DVD of Lumbini, gave time forparticipants to ask questions followed by Paritran chantingand distribution of Paritran threads to interested. This wasfollowed by light refreshment provided generously bymembers, well wishers and supporters of the society. Onthe whole it was a beneficial event. Mr. Rambabu Thapaliyaconducted the programme professionally.

LNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) Meeting (Seeting (Seeting (Seeting (Seeting (Sundayundayundayundayunday, 17-8-2014)at, 17-8-2014)at, 17-8-2014)at, 17-8-2014)at, 17-8-2014)atSSSSShubha and Nhubha and Nhubha and Nhubha and Nhubha and Nani Sani Sani Sani Sani Shohohohohovvvvvaaaaa’’’’’s rs rs rs rs residence in Sesidence in Sesidence in Sesidence in Sesidence in Southall:outhall:outhall:outhall:outhall:Finalisation of the first ever Pancha Dana Ceremony to beheld on 31st August 2015 and reflection on Buddha’sadvice on gratitude (kritagyata) took place in the meeting.The members took part in sharing their experiences onthe subject which was considered as very interesting andmeritorious.

PPPPPanca Danca Danca Danca Danca Dana, Oana, Oana, Oana, Oana, Offering of meal and Mffering of meal and Mffering of meal and Mffering of meal and Mffering of meal and Meditation,editation,editation,editation,editation,SSSSSundayundayundayundayunday, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbur, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbur, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbur, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbur, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbury y y y y VVVVVihara, London:ihara, London:ihara, London:ihara, London:ihara, London:Lumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society (UK)successfully celebrated Panca Dana, offering of middaymeal to venerable monks and meditation on Sunday, 31-8-2014 at Kingsbury Vihara, London. This was our firstever attempt to celebrate Panca Dana in the UK. Largenumber of Nepalese and non Nepalese attended the eventand made it a success. We were honoured to have eightVenerable monks from Sri Lanka and Nepal including avisiting monk from Nepal. We are very grateful to allparticipants for making it a success.

23 Lumbini May 2015

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 onNepalese tradition of Panca Dana by Dr. Dinesh LalBajracharya. This was followed by traditional dana offeringof items of everyday use as practised in Nepal to venerablemonks and offering of midday meal.

In the afternoon visiting monk Bhikkshu Magar(Medhanker) gave a brief talk on his proposedestablishment of 120 feet high Buddha Statue in Dhankutato promote Buddha Dharma. This was followed by sittingand walking meditation. The day ended with MettaBhavana meditation and Punnanumodana (transferring ofmerits) which everyone including children participated. Ajoyous atmosphere prevailed throughout the day. We hopeto celebrate similar event annually as it done in Nepal.Mr. Amrit Ratna Sthapit conducted the programmeprofessionally.

LNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) Meeting (Seeting (Seeting (Seeting (Seeting (Sundayundayundayundayunday, 9-11- 2014) at, 9-11- 2014) at, 9-11- 2014) at, 9-11- 2014) at, 9-11- 2014) atSSSSSuchita and Suchita and Suchita and Suchita and Suchita and Swayambhuwayambhuwayambhuwayambhuwayambhu’’’’’s rs rs rs rs residence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kent: ent: ent: ent: ent: Dharmadiscussion on Paritran chanting generally translated as“protection” or “safeguard,” refers to the Buddhist practiceof reciting certain verses and scriptures in order to wardoff evil fortune or dangerous conditions and Reflectionon the following (Meditation) took place:

“When you go to practice in the place of the Buddha, youmust not find fault with anyone; if you find fault, it is becauseyou have not made peace with the world. If you have notmade peace with the world, it is because you have not madepeace in your heart.” - Master Hua

150150150150150ththththth Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala(SSSSSundayundayundayundayunday, 21-9-2014):, 21-9-2014):, 21-9-2014):, 21-9-2014):, 21-9-2014): Anu Sthapit, Amrit Sthapit andDharma Shakya attended the ceremony to commemorate150th Birth Anniversary of late AnagarikaDharmapala thefounder of the London Buddhist Vihara on Sunday, 21st

September 2014 PM at Hammersmith town Hall inLondon. Huge number of people including diplomats ofvarious countries, officials, members of various faiths andwell wishers from different countries attended thisceremony. All speakers paid tribute to this great man andhighlighted the role he played in promotion of BuddhaDharma not only in his native country Sri Lanka but allover the world. We felt privileged to attend this auspiciousceremony

Meeting with Executive members of the BuddhistMeeting with Executive members of the BuddhistMeeting with Executive members of the BuddhistMeeting with Executive members of the BuddhistMeeting with Executive members of the BuddhistYYYYYouth Gouth Gouth Gouth Gouth Grrrrroup (oup (oup (oup (oup (YYYYYuvuvuvuvuva Ba Ba Ba Ba Baudha Saudha Saudha Saudha Saudha Samuha) in Kathmanduamuha) in Kathmanduamuha) in Kathmanduamuha) in Kathmanduamuha) in Kathmandu(((((TTTTTuesdayuesdayuesdayuesdayuesday, 2 -12-2014): , 2 -12-2014): , 2 -12-2014): , 2 -12-2014): , 2 -12-2014): Amrit Ratna Sthapit and AnuSthapit had a lunch meeting with newly elected executivemember and past executive member of BYG inKathmandu during their visit to Nepal. Relationship ofLNBDS and BYG were discussed and ideas were shared

regarding how to make our activities better in future. BYGalso showed keen interest to continue Bi-annual essaycompetition which was lauched in 2007. It is also indicatedthat BYG is willing to undertake any new project/s withLNBDS in future to promote the teachings of the Buddhain Nepal.

One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays:One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays:One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays:One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays:One day meditation and Dana offering on Sundays:We are please to inform our readers that our societycontinued to organise regular one day meditation and Danaoffering to Venerable monks at Sri SaddhatissaInternational Buddhist Centre (Kingsbury Vihara). Thelast session was on Sunday, 1st March 2015. We plan tocontinue this noble activity in the coming years as well.Please visit our website: www.lumbini.org.uk or contactthe society on lumbini1997@hotmail.com for most upto date information.

LNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) Meeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Sundayundayundayundayunday, 5-4-2015) at, 5-4-2015) at, 5-4-2015) at, 5-4-2015) at, 5-4-2015) atDDDDDinesh and Rasanainesh and Rasanainesh and Rasanainesh and Rasanainesh and Rasana’’’’’s rs rs rs rs residence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kesidence in Kent:ent:ent:ent:ent: Finalisationof 2559th Buddha Jayanti programme and 2015 issue ofsociety’s journal Lumbini took place along with reflection(meditation) on 'What should be the nature of themeeting?' “Among the injunctions of the Buddha for thelasting welfare of the Sangha is that it should meet regularly,in large numbers, honouring the elders of the communityand attending to the business of the Sangha in a respectfuland harmonious manner. The meeting should be harmoniousat the beginning, in the middle and at the end.” – Maha-parinibbanaSutta

Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2-Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2-Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2-Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2-Buddha Puja and Sutta Chanting (26-4-2015 and 2-5-2015):5-2015):5-2015):5-2015):5-2015): Venerable Bhikkhu Sumana (President ofLumbini Nepalese Buddha Dharma Society UK) in liaisonwith the World Buddhist Foundation (Kingsbury Buddhist

May 2015 Lumbini 24

News about Buddhism

The BThe BThe BThe BThe British Pritish Pritish Pritish Pritish Parliament Sarliament Sarliament Sarliament Sarliament Stops to Mtops to Mtops to Mtops to Mtops to Meditate – 30 Meditate – 30 Meditate – 30 Meditate – 30 Meditate – 30 Mayayayayay2014: 2014: 2014: 2014: 2014: The British Parliament launched an all-party groupgiven the task of exploring the uses of mindfulnessmeditation in healthcare, education, and the criminal justicesystem. To mark the beginning of the group’s efforts,prominent politicians and public figures like formerministers Lord Haworth and Jim Fitzpatrick cametogether with advocates of mindfulness meditation, suchas comedian Ruby Wax, to experience the benefits ofmeditation for themselves.

More than 95 MPs and parliament staff meet regularlyfor mindfulness meditation courses taught withinparliament, and from the sound of it, the effect thesecourses have been having are pretty substantial.

At last week’s high profile event, several politicians spokepublicly about how these meditation courses have changedtheir lives for the better. Lord Andrew Stone, who wasassigned to meet with Egypt’s military leadership earlierthis year, told the audience that mindfulness meditationhelped him to be compassionate towards all sides of thecountry’s deeply troubled political factions. “I didn’t knowhow to cope,” he explained, “but these practices made amassive difference.” (source www.doyouyoga.com)

LLLLLumbini umbini umbini umbini umbini WWWWWorld Porld Porld Porld Porld Peace City – A Meace City – A Meace City – A Meace City – A Meace City – A Master Paster Paster Paster Paster Plan - Jlan - Jlan - Jlan - Jlan - Juneuneuneuneune2014 : 2014 : 2014 : 2014 : 2014 : A master plan for the Lumbini World Peace Citypreservation and development has been made public at aprogram in Kathmandu. The master plan was developedunder a project implemented by Korea InternationalCooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry ofTourism and Civil Aviation. The master plan was designedby Korean Professor Kwaak Young Hoon and coversapproximately 5x5 square miles of Lumbini. The planaims to conserve the cultural and historic environment in

a more managed way, to present metaphysical foundationtemplates for the use in urban design of the LumbiniVishwa Shanti Nagar and to create Lumbini as Buddhistteaching and learning city. It has been designed to beimplemented in three stages including 2014 to 2020 inthe first phase, up to 2026 in the second phase and up to2030 in the final phase. Its implementation is expected tocost USD 762 million. Source: http://www.nepalnews.com/index.php/news/36026-master-plan-for-lumbini-world-peace-city-unveiled

Essay Competition - 23 AEssay Competition - 23 AEssay Competition - 23 AEssay Competition - 23 AEssay Competition - 23 August 2014: ugust 2014: ugust 2014: ugust 2014: ugust 2014: The Societysupported an Essay competition organised by the BuddhistYouth Group (Yuva Baudha Samuha), Kathmandu. Thewinners of the competition in the first place were Amrit

Kaji Shakya, Phasikyaba Kathmandu; second place JamunaGosai, Bhaktapur and third place Raju Shakya,Kathmandu The Essay Competition was participated by17 and judged by 3 persons of the Samuha. A prize givingceremony was organised in Kathmandu on 27th December2014. No Society members were able to attend thefunction because of other commitments. Amrit Sthapit

Vihara) organised Buddha Puja and Sutta ChantingCeremony on Sunday, 26th April 2015 and SSSSSaturaturaturaturaturdaydaydaydayday, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 2nd, 2ndMay 2015 atMay 2015 atMay 2015 atMay 2015 atMay 2015 at Sri Saddhatissa International BuddhistCentre, (Kingsbury Vihara), 309-311 Kingsbury Road,London, NW9 9PE to invoke blessing to all the victimsof recent earthquake in Nepal. A large number of devoteesfrom Sri Lanka, Nepal and other communities attended

the ceremony. Fund raising for the relief of the victimsalso was launched and fund raising is continuing. Ourgratitude to Piyadassi Bhante and other members of theSangha for allowing us to hold the celebrations at thisvenue and for providing help and support. Ourappreciation to all those who attended the ceremonies andcontributed to earthquake relief fund and also to thosewho could not attend but was generous in donation tothe fund.

LNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) MLNBDS (UK) Meeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Seeting on (Sundayundayundayundayunday, 24-5-2015) at, 24-5-2015) at, 24-5-2015) at, 24-5-2015) at, 24-5-2015) atDDDDDinesh and Minesh and Minesh and Minesh and Minesh and Menikaenikaenikaenikaenika’’’’’s rs rs rs rs residence in London: esidence in London: esidence in London: esidence in London: esidence in London: Society'sexecutive committee meeting was held at Dinesh andMenika's residence in London. Discussion, preparationand job allocations were main agenda of this meeting forup coming Buddha Jayanti (Vesak).

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of the Society sent message of thanks to Yuba BaudhaSamuha for their efforts.

YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014:YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014:YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014:YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014:YMBA Annual General Meeting - 2 August 2014:Young Men’s Buddhist Association of Nepal (YMBA)organised it's 43rd Annual General Meeting in Patan. TheAssociation is coordinating with LNBDS in activities likeart competitions in Nepal. The Society’s President SumanaBhante attended this AGM during his visit to Nepal. TheAGM was attended by senior Bhantes and other dignitaries.

SSSSSakyamuni Bakyamuni Bakyamuni Bakyamuni Bakyamuni Buddha Puddha Puddha Puddha Puddha Puja, uja, uja, uja, uja, TTTTTeachings on eachings on eachings on eachings on eachings on ThrThrThrThrThree ee ee ee ee VVVVVehicleehicleehicleehicleehicleand 1000 Band 1000 Band 1000 Band 1000 Band 1000 Buddhas of the Fuddhas of the Fuddhas of the Fuddhas of the Fuddhas of the Fororororortunate Atunate Atunate Atunate Atunate Aeon - 8eon - 8eon - 8eon - 8eon - 8NNNNNooooovvvvvember 2014 : ember 2014 : ember 2014 : ember 2014 : ember 2014 : Very venerable Guru Chokyi NyimaRinpoche out of compassion for the tens thousands ofdevotees and for the benefit of all sentient beings performedSakyamuni Buddha Puja. The main attraction of theprogram was the presence of the chief Gurujus from allthree traditions of Nepalese Buddhism, Theravada, TibetanMahayana Vajrayana and Newar Mahayana Vajrayana andrepresented by Ven. Jnanapurnika Mahasthavira, Ven.Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche and Rev. Buddha RatnaBajracharya respectively. The program started with theverse of auspiciousness (Mangal gatha) by five Vajracaryasclad in Five Buddha robes. The welcome speech wasdelivered by Mr. Kiran Shakya, a representative fromLotus Research Center. Then Rinpoche imparted FivePrecepts (Pancasila) to the devotees. Then JnanapurnikaMahasthavira gave very exhilarating speech about the needto go forward from now on unifying all the traditions ofBuddhism while giving up any sort of sectarianism. ThenRinpoche gave discourse on Three vehicles in a very simpleand easy to understand language whilst Mr. Tika Sherpa,a chief translator of Triratna Translation Committee,translated Rinpoche’s teaching in a very excellent and easyto understand language.

Then Mr. Milan Shakya gave a short introduction to theempowerment on 1000 Buddhas. At the end, Rinpochekindly gave empowerment (ka wang) to all the devoteesin ten thousands of number and blessed them. These 17different organizations jointly organised the event and areunited in solidarity for the spread of Buddhism.

8 N8 N8 N8 N8 Nooooovvvvvember 2014 ember 2014 ember 2014 ember 2014 ember 2014 WWWWWorld-first evidence suggests thatorld-first evidence suggests thatorld-first evidence suggests thatorld-first evidence suggests thatorld-first evidence suggests thatmeditation alters cancer surmeditation alters cancer surmeditation alters cancer surmeditation alters cancer surmeditation alters cancer survivvivvivvivvivorsorsorsorsors’ cells:’ cells:’ cells:’ cells:’ cells: For the firsttime, scientists have found clear biological evidence thatmeditation and support groups can affect us on a cellularlevel. . . . . Now researchers in Canada have found the firstevidence to suggest that support groups that encouragemeditation and yoga can actually alter the cellular activityof cancer survivors. Their study, which was published inthe journal Cancer last week, is one of the first to suggestthat a mind-body connection really does exist.

The team found that the telomeres - the protein caps atthe end of our chromosomes that determine how quickly

a cell ages - stayed the same length in cancer survivors whomeditated or took part in support groups over a three-month period. On the other hand, the telomeres of cancersurvivors who didn’t participate in these groups shortenedduring the three-month study.

Scientists still don’t know for sure whether telomeres areinvolved in regulating disease, but there is early evidencethat suggests shortened telomeres are associated with thelikelihood of surviving several diseases, including breastcancer, as well as cellular ageing. And longer telomeres aregenerally thought to help protect us from disease.

Although this is pretty exciting research, it’s still not knownwhether these benefits will be long-term or what’s causingthis biological effect. Further research is now needed tofind out whether these results are replicable across a largernumber of participants, and what they mean for our healthlong-term. Source: EurekAlert

MMMMMahaparitran at Pahaparitran at Pahaparitran at Pahaparitran at Pahaparitran at Patan, Natan, Natan, Natan, Natan, Nepal - 29 Nepal - 29 Nepal - 29 Nepal - 29 Nepal - 29 Nooooovvvvvember 2014:ember 2014:ember 2014:ember 2014:ember 2014:Venerable Bhikkhu Sujano attended Mahaparitrana Paathheld at Patan Durbar Square (Mangal Bazar, Patan, Nepal)on Saturday, 29th November 2014. This event wasorganised by YMBA Nepal with the blessing from AllNepal Bhikkhu Mahasangha. More than six hundredpeople attended the function including monks, nuns,ambassadors of Thailand and Sri Lanka, officials and hugenumber of devotees.

YMBA members gave Dana to all the monks and nunsand Thaina Misa Puchah provided tea and coffee to theguests. Events like this helps promotes Buddha Dharmaamong the general public.

Vipassana Meditation for new government officer -Vipassana Meditation for new government officer -Vipassana Meditation for new government officer -Vipassana Meditation for new government officer -Vipassana Meditation for new government officer -18 December 2014, Nepal: 18 December 2014, Nepal: 18 December 2014, Nepal: 18 December 2014, Nepal: 18 December 2014, Nepal: One interesting event thatjust happened was that Nepal Government made a decisionto include 10 day Vipassana course in induction trainingof new government officers who have successfully passedPublic Service Commission exams. Right now 154government officers are attending 10 day Vipassana courses(90 in Budhanilkantha Center, 44 in Parwanipur Centerand 20 in Lumbini Center). The program is an integral

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part of staff college training program for new governmentofficers.

If this program goes well, many more government officersare expected to join Vipassana courses in coming months.I was told that Judiciary is watching this event. If theyfind the result positive, a batch of government lawyers isexpected to attend Vipassana course in coming months.

We are eagerly waiting to see the result of this event. I willkeep you posted on this. (Personal communication fromMr Uttam Dhakhwa 18-12-2014)

Gautam Buddha Airport expansion plan launched -Gautam Buddha Airport expansion plan launched -Gautam Buddha Airport expansion plan launched -Gautam Buddha Airport expansion plan launched -Gautam Buddha Airport expansion plan launched -16 J16 J16 J16 J16 Januaranuaranuaranuaranuary 2015: y 2015: y 2015: y 2015: y 2015: The long-planned upgradation atGautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa was formallyinaugurated by the Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. Theproject will transform the domestic airfield into a regionalinternational airport. The importance of the improvementplan lies in the airport's being the front door to Lumbini,the birthplace of the Buddha which has been rapidly gainingpopularity as an international pilgrimage but suffers frompoor access which has hindered further growth. Theproposed airport upgrade is estimated to cost Rs 630billion with a 3,000-metre runway and a capacity to serve760,000 passengers annually after the completion of thefirst phase, expected to be complited by December 2017.

BBBBBuddha Suddha Suddha Suddha Suddha Shape Candle Lit for hape Candle Lit for hape Candle Lit for hape Candle Lit for hape Candle Lit for WWWWWorld Porld Porld Porld Porld Peace – 03eace – 03eace – 03eace – 03eace – 03FFFFFebrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2015.y 2015.y 2015.y 2015.y 2015.

The residence of Kathmandu participated in a Candle Litat Bashantapur for the World Peace. One Hundred

Thousand candles (Diyo) was lit creating a bright Buddhain meditation posture wishing peace and prosperity in theworld.

SSSSSan Fan Fan Fan Fan Francisco Schools rancisco Schools rancisco Schools rancisco Schools rancisco Schools TTTTTransformed bransformed bransformed bransformed bransformed by the Py the Py the Py the Py the Pooooowwwwwer ofer ofer ofer ofer ofMMMMMeditation:editation:editation:editation:editation: Silence isn’t something people usuallyassociate with middle school, but twice a day the halls ofVisitacion Valley School in San Francisco fall quiet as thesixth, seventh and eighth grade students meditate for fifteenminutes.

With a typical schools days filled with mayhem, O’Driscollwas skeptical when the San Francisco Public School Districtpartnered with the Center for Wellness and Achievementin Education to introduce a meditation program, called“Quiet Time,” to four of its schools, including VisitacionValley. As a result of meditation over a four-year period,suspensions decreased by 79 percent and attendance andacademic performance noticeably increased. Source:www.cwae.org

Ancient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy withAncient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy withAncient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy withAncient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy withAncient Chinese Buddha statue has a mummy withsurprises inside – Msurprises inside – Msurprises inside – Msurprises inside – Msurprises inside – Mon, Fon, Fon, Fon, Fon, Feb 23, 2015eb 23, 2015eb 23, 2015eb 23, 2015eb 23, 2015

A 1,000-year-old Buddha statue from China has revealedthe mummified body of the Buddhist master Liuquan ofthe Chinese Meditation School, according to the MeanderMedical Centre in Amersfoort, Netherlands, where thestatue was scanned. The Drents Museum in Assen,Netherlands said the monk lived around the year 1100.

The discovery of the mummy is of great culturalsignificance, not only because it is the only one of its kind,but so far the only Chinese Buddhist mummy that isavailable in the West for scientific research,” said a Googletranslation of a Dutch news release from Meander MedicalCenter about the research.

Erik Bruijn, an expert in Buddhist art and culture and aguest curator at the Wereldmuseum Rotterdam headedthis research. The endoscopy revealed that in theabdominal cavity where there had once been organs, therewere instead an unidentified material and scraps of paperprinted with ancient Chinese characters.

The researchers also took bone samples for DNA testing.

The Drents Museum says it suspects this mummy couldbe a case of self-mummification. The mummy is now ondisplay at National Museum of Natural History inBudapest as part of the Mummy World exhibition. Theexhibition will head next to Luxemburg in May 2015,the Drents Museum says. Courtesy~ CBC News; https://uk.news.yahoo.com/ancient-chinese- buddha-statue-mummy-171117662.html?vp=1LpUSi85

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