Lumbini is located in central southern Nepal, quite near to the border with India. It’s flat (yes Nepal has some flat parts) and hot, hotter than Kathmandu. It has a long history but is most famous for being the birth place of Buddha. Pilgrims come from all over to visit his birthplace. To mark the significance of this place, a master plan was devised by professor Tange in 1978. This plan has Buddha’s birthplace anchoring one end and a giant World Piece Stuppa built by a Japanese order, anchoring the other end. In between is about three kilometers of brick paving and a water canal. Either side is space for the world to contribute by building monasteries in their own cultural style. Many monasteries are here now but there are many to come, some under constructions. These are grand structures. A village with hotels is also planned as the demand for these facilities grows. It’s a magnificent concept and will look even more spectacular on completition.
I start by visiting Buddha’s birthplace and museum. The Lumbini gardens are beautiful and peaceful. Meditation classes are in progress and the many prayer flags are playing in the breeze. It’s hot and walking around is difficult.
Maya Devi, Queen of King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu, came by the Lumbini gardens on her way to her maternal hometown. She bathed in a pool there and within moments of getting out, 25 steps to be exact, labour pains came on and she gave birth while leaning against a tree. A stone pillar now marks the spot. The year was 623 BC. Scriptures explain that within moments of his birth, the baby walked five paces and uttered a message to the suffering humanity in the gardens. He then spent the first 27 years of his life in privilege in the royal palace situated west of here. And from that privileged perfect life, he ventured out against the wishes of his parents to see the struggles of real life. From this were born his philosophies.
I visit some of the older monasteries then walk back to my hotel via a small restaraunt where I meet a group of three Lebanese. They were great company and on their way to India. A young couple came here after a huge bus trip to cross the border into India, only to be told they need to return to Kathmandu to get a visa. They go back tonight.
After the heat of the day has passed I hire a push bike and go back to the monasteries. I ride the distance to the end of the canal and get some photos in the setting sun. Tomorrow I will come back and visit some more monasteries.
angusmccoll 