“There is suffering in the world, there is a cause of suffering, suffering can be ended, and there is a way to end it.” Gautam Buddha offered this simple yet profound observation some 2,500 years ago. Its relevance was felt with renewed force in Nepal following the devastating Bhotekoshi flood of August 26, which brought immense suffering to people in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading.
As Nepal continues to deal with the consequences of the disaster, Buddha’s message offers not only a way of understanding suffering but also a reminder that human beings must constantly search for ways to overcome it. The tragedy also highlights the growing risks posed by climate change, particularly in mountainous countries. Nepal must therefore rethink how settlements and infrastructure are developed, keeping them as far as possible from riverbanks and other areas vulnerable to floods and landslides.
At the same time, the Lumbini Development Trust’s reassurance that Lumbini and most of Nepal’s major tourist destinations remain safe from the effects of the Bhotekoshi disaster was important. Such timely communication helps preserve confidence in Nepal as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha.
But the connection between the recent disaster and Lumbini goes beyond tourism. It invites a larger question: Can Nepal use its unique association with Buddha to give greater relevance and force to his message at a time when the world is struggling with conflict, inequality, climate change and the concentration of wealth and power?
Lumbini: A Heritage for Humanity
Gautam Buddha is a treasure of the entire world. Born in Lumbini, in the land of Mount Everest, into the royal family of the Shakya dynasty, he renounced the palace as a young man and devoted himself to contemplation and the welfare of humanity. His teachings have inspired generations across the world for more than two millennia.
Buddha may well have been one of the greatest human beings to have lived for the benefit of humanity. Perhaps that is why generations of people have placed him among the gods. Yet Lumbini should not be viewed merely as a religious or pilgrimage site. It should also be recognized as a place from which humanity can continuously draw wisdom, guidance and inspiration.
Despite Buddha’s profound contribution, the world has yet to fully embrace his teachings. Violence, greed, hatred, inequality and conflict continue to shape human affairs. This is why Nepal should consider whether its unique historical connection with Buddha can be transformed into a broader contribution to humanity.
From Sacred Site to Global Centre
Lumbini could be developed beyond the boundaries of a conventional Buddhist heritage site. It could become an international centre where people from different countries, cultures and belief systems come together to reflect and seek solutions to common human problems.
Lumbini, Tilaurakot, Niglihawa, Ramgram and other historically and culturally significant areas could be brought together under a broader concept of “Sovereign Lumbini.” The idea is to create a special international space dedicated to humanity’s common concerns.
Such a centre could provide a continuing forum for dialogue on world peace, climate change, poverty reduction, arms proliferation, nuclear disarmament, global tensions and conflicts. Its ultimate purpose would be to encourage dialogue and help identify solutions that serve humanity as a whole.
Building on U Thant’s Vision
There is already a historical basis for viewing Lumbini through a broader international lens. Former UN Secretary-General U Thant visited Lumbini in April 1967. His visit helped bring the birthplace of Buddha to international attention and contributed to subsequent international efforts for its development. Deeply moved by the place, he later described the visit as “one of the most important days of my life.”
Aviation fuel supply stopped at three airports including Gautam...
Nepal should now consider how to build on that vision.
The proposal for “Sovereign Lumbini” is not intended to diminish Lumbini’s religious significance. Rather, it seeks to extend its message to the wider human community. Buddha’s teachings belong to no single country or community. Their central concerns—peace, compassion, non-violence, moderation and the alleviation of suffering—are universal.
Why Lumbini, Why Now?
Humanity has reached a point where a fundamental question confronts us: Will we use our knowledge, power and resources for the benefit of all, or continue along a path that could threaten our own existence?
Scientific and technological progress has given humanity unprecedented power, but our ability to resolve conflicts, reduce inequality and prevent suffering has not kept pace. The consequences are particularly severe for developing countries and vulnerable communities. Perhaps the time has come for Nepal to take an initiative that gives renewed life and greater force to the message of Gautam Buddha, born some 2,570 years ago.
The proposal deserves serious discussion among Buddhist scholars, monks, historians, archaeologists, intellectuals, architects and others who have contributed to the understanding and development of Lumbini and Tilaurakot. Figures such as Bhikkhu Sugandha (Dr Anilman Shakya), Bhikkhu Maitri Mahasthavir, Bhikkhu Siri Bajir, Professor Triratna Manandhar and Professor Robin Coningham of Durham University, along with Japanese scholars and architects associated with Lumbini, could contribute valuable perspectives.
Nepal’s wider intellectual community, civil society, political parties and ordinary citizens who regard Buddhist philosophy as an important part of the country’s cultural heritage should also engage in the debate. The discussion should eventually extend beyond Nepal to the international intellectual community concerned with humanity, peace and global coexistence.
Nepal must first take the initiative
A World in Crisis
How is humanity using the knowledge it has accumulated over thousands of years about the earth, sea, land, air, water and sky? Despite extraordinary scientific and technological progress, humanity continues to behave in ways that resemble those of centuries ago.
In the Middle East, civilians continue to die in conflicts in which they have little ability to protect themselves. Some Israeli voices have drawn comparisons between the situation in Palestine and the suffering of Jews during the Second World War. In Europe, meanwhile, political tensions and the growing shift towards the right remain matters of concern.
The problem is not necessarily a shortage of resources. Greed, arrogance and ignorance continue to trouble humanity. A small number of people control a large share of the wealth accumulated over thousands of years, while vast sums are spent on warfare and destruction and millions still struggle with hunger.
Even in the name of “global disarmament,” nuclear knowledge and technology continue to spread according to the interests of powerful states. The experience of recent decades provides many examples of political and commercial interests taking precedence over broader international and long-term global interests.
Humanity has reached a dangerous point at which some damage may become irreversible. Civilization is facing a crisis unlike anything it has experienced before.
Buddha’s Message for Humanity
Buddha’s teachings were never meant only for one group of people. They offer a path towards cooperation, shared progress and coexistence among individuals, societies and nations. Their relevance extends across time and, in principle, to all humanity. His teachings do not seek to reject or diminish any religion or culture. Their wider message can instead be understood as one concerned with humanity as a whole.
The Four Noble Truths can be understood as a timeless framework for addressing human suffering and protecting a civilization that has made extraordinary progress but now possesses the power to destroy itself. At their heart is the idea that right intention begins with right thinking—freeing oneself from violence, greed and hatred while cultivating friendship, compassion and concern for others.
The world, meanwhile, has enough resources to feed its population. The deeper problem is not simply scarcity but the way human beings pursue wealth, exercise power and distribute what is available. Greed, misplaced priorities and unequal distribution continue to leave millions without the basic necessities of life. Buddha’s teachings therefore remain relevant not only as a spiritual philosophy but also as a way of thinking about how humanity might use its resources more fairly and live with greater compassion.
Education and the Living Tradition
Considerable work has been carried out in recent decades concerning Buddha, Lumbini, Tilaurakot (ancient Kapilavastu) and the universal importance of his teachings.
Around three decades ago, the Rangjung Yeshe Institute (RYI) in Kathmandu began offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in Buddhist studies under Kathmandu University, along with short-term programs for international students. In the last academic year alone, 169 students from 40 countries were enrolled in the degree programs.
Nepal has developed a reputation for offering a living form of Buddhist education, including access to monks and scholars studying original Sanskrit and Tibetan texts. Many foreign students come not merely to obtain degrees but to understand themselves through education. Writer Bimal Prasad Shah has noted: “Just as Nepal awakened the world through the message of the Bodhi tree, it has once again awakened the world through the Gen-Z movement of Bhadra 23, 2082” (Republica, October 27, 2025).
RYI Principal Dr Thomas has also explained that students are helping translate Tibetan Buddhist scriptures into modern languages through projects such as “84,000,” work that he suggests may also contribute to artificial intelligence. The broader significance is that Buddhist philosophy encourages people to think beyond religion and reflect on wider questions concerning human life and society.
A Shared Heritage
Nepal’s two closest neighbours, India and China, have deep connections with Buddha’s teachings and would have strong reason to engage with such an initiative. Activities in Lumbini could benefit both countries as well as Nepal itself.
Thailand, which has one of the world’s largest Buddhist populations, also has a deep cultural and spiritual connection with Lumbini. Thai people hold Lumbini in high regard, and many devotees are deeply moved simply by touching its soil.
Nepal’s universally recognized distinction as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha gives the country not only a source of pride but also a responsibility to promote the values associated with his teachings.
Nepal has for decades contributed to international peacekeeping by sending its soldiers to conflict-affected areas. In the same spirit, it should consider how it can contribute to a world free from poverty, illiteracy, hunger and suffering. Gautam Buddha gave humanity the moral foundation for such an aspiration many centuries ago.
Turning Vision into Reality
Much work remains if the idea of Lumbini as an international centre is to acquire real meaning. Existing activities should be reviewed from this broader perspective, including the World Bank’s recent support for Lumbini.
Nepal needs to think about Lumbini comprehensively, including its legal status, infrastructure, institutional arrangements and even the concept of a “world city.”
The government could establish a specialized unit under the Office of the Prime Minister or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bring together experts, study the possibility of creating an international framework for Lumbini and begin the necessary preliminary work.
Recent developments are encouraging. The confirmation of the authenticity of Tilaurakot at an ICOMOS conference, calls for a message of world peace, efforts to promote Buddhist sites and the continuing activities of RYI provide a foundation for broader discussion.
Along with initiating a national discussion on “Sovereign Lumbini,” Nepal should promote similar discussions in countries where large sections of the population follow Buddhism. Such discussions could generate debate about Nepal’s contribution to world peace while helping identify practical obstacles.
Lumbini and the Future of Humanity
As writer Lachlan Brown writes in his book Buddhism, decisions made from Lumbini after appropriate international recognition could have an impact far beyond the immediate region and help guide humanity towards greater refinement. Reflecting on the question, “How can one live with the highest impact and the least ego?”, he argues that true happiness comes from paying less attention to personal gain and more to contributing to others and the world.
The deeper humanity thinks about these issues, the more profound and universally relevant Buddha’s ideals are likely to become. Lumbini is the place where Buddha first stepped onto this Earth for the benefit of humanity. It cannot easily be compared with any other site.
The ideas expressed by scholars at recent discussions and gatherings in Lumbini suggest that Nepal should not delay in moving in this direction. Lumbini is an incomparable place from which to promote humanity’s highest ideals: peace, prosperity and coexistence.
The modern human community, now looking beyond Earth towards other planets, should no longer allow itself to remain trapped in conflicts here on Earth. The proper use of resources and their fair distribution are within the ability of human society. Those who possess the greatest share of the world’s wealth and power must understand this sooner rather than later.
Reflecting on the message of the messenger of peace, born 2,500 years ago, may be one of the greatest needs of humanity today.
The author is a journalist.
