International Conference for Understanding and Peace

(Lumbini, December, 2019)

Background: Following the devastation of the Second World War, 51 countries signed the United Nations (UN) Charter in 1945 to maintain international peace and security. Now with almost universal membership of sovereign member states, the UN has mostly been successful in preventing conflict primarily in Europe. Though not on a large scale, the rest of the world however continues to be engaged in various conflicts. Today, the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Sudan and likelihood of other flash points in Asia, South America and others indicate clearly that the state of global peace is still fragile and needs serious attention to avoid any possible future wars. Although it is widely accepted by all that dialogue is the surest means to avoid violence and bring the conflicting parties to peace, the overriding geo-political, economic and security interests are inhibiting meaningful dialogue.

At present, the burning issue of nuclear arms still lingers. Although there has been a global reduction in nuclear stockpiles since the Cold War, by some estimates, approximately 4,000 active nuclear weapons remain. To tip the delicate balance further, the rise of right-leaning populism and anti-immigration movements in much of the industrialized nations paint a dark picture for young, educated, enterprising people who wish to gain their knowledge and contribute their skills not only for their families but also for their home and host countries. This important cycle of progress is on the verge of being stopped to the detriment of all nations. Even though extreme poverty is falling, the disappearance of the middle class, coupled with dwindling social protection and irreversible environmental degradation witnessed universally not only disrupt social order but also add tremendous pressures on the countries’ economies and natural resources, further exacerbating the flow of refugees. The world is teetering on the precipice of another global conflict.

Peace Through Dialogue: More than ever, the world needs to put aside its differences and act with urgency and conviction to prevent an impending conflict from which there may be no respite. Whether the conflict emerges from border skirmishes, trade wars, sanctions, persecution on religious grounds or terrorism, the only sensible way to resolve conflict is to seek peace through dialogue. It is worth noting UNESCO constitutional principle that: “Since wars began in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed.”

Achieving sustainable peace is the surest way to prevent future conflicts between the conflicting parties and regions. Despite several theories developed from around the world, neither have conflicts abated overall nor peace held for long. Independent scholars, institutions and universities as well as international organizations are still looking for an appropriate model for peace that is understood and accepted to both the developing and developed countries. In spite of the importance and value of peace enunciated by Buddha and followed by millions of people worldwide, there is neither good understanding nor efforts to develop present-day applicability of Buddha’s message in a restless world shadowed by conflicts of sorts. There has never been a better moment to contemplate on Buddha's peace message for the general betterment of humanity. And there is no better place to resuscitate Buddha's message of peace and understanding than in Lumbini, Nepal—the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since peace is an indispensable commodity of individuals, communities and nations, to be had through hard work, understanding, and proactive interventions, developing countries like Nepal are always seeking ways and means to restore, consolidate and sustain peace. The conference named “International Conference for Understanding and Peace” is being dedicated to the peace loving people of this world. This conference is expected to contribute to local, regional and global efforts aimed at establishing, restoring and sustaining peace through dialogue and understanding.

Organizers: It is going to be a grand collaboration among the Government of Nepal, Lumbini Research Centre for Understanding and Peace (LUMREC), Nepal; Nepal Council of World Affairs, Nepal (NCWA), Lumbini Buddhist University (LBU), Nepal; and Lumbini Development Trust (LBT). This conglomeration will be supported by Buddhist Sanghas and International agencies such as UNESCO Office, Kathmandu.

Participants: About 60 participants will be invited to participate in this conference from all over the world, irrespective of their religious and cultural backgrounds. High-level government officials, Buddhist scholars including academics from well-known centers of learning and prominent personalities from Nepal would be the participants of this Conference. All participants will be accommodated for two nights in Lumbini area hotel/hotels.

Agenda and Program: This conference is being held in Lumbini with a mixed agenda of i) discussion and talk program; ii) meditation at the Lumbini gardens; iii) exhibition of artefacts; and iv) a tour of Buddha’s natal town at Tilaurakot.

This 2-day Plus program will include a meditation session with a Buddhist Guru at Lumbini Meditation Centre on the first day after arrival.

The second day begins with inauguration of the program, followed by discussions on following topics: i) Seeing the world today from international perspective—developing and developed; ii) Looking at the world from Buddha’s eyes; iii) What efforts are being employed to bring peace in conflict situations? Iv) Global exercise to hold peace where it exists; v) Local, National and Regional endeavors for creating harmony in the regions; vi) What can we learn from Lumbini? A Concluding Session of the Conference will be held in the afternoon.

All the participants will be presented with a souvenir on behalf of the Centre and local government. (A detailed program schedule will be issued to all the participants in due course)

The Third day: Buddha’s circuit tour designed as Inner circuit and outer circuit as follows: Inner circuit tour is expected to take the participants to Buddha’s natal town at Kudan, Gotihawa, Niglihawa, Tilaurakot and the Museum. Buddha spent initial 29 years covering various stages of his life as a prince born in a Hindu Royal family, his childhood, marriage and becoming a father, renouncing his family and home. At this stage the participants would have two choices: end the program in Lumbini and return back to Kathmandu; or proceed to the outer circuit tour in India. This additional 2-day Buddha’s outer circuit tour will take the participants to Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath where Buddha attained enlightenment and started spreading the message of peace, compassion, non-violence for getting rid of pains and sufferings that all human beings once born must undergo during their lifetime. Subject to time availability this tour can be extended to Kushinagar where Buddha attained ‘parinirbana’ (Outer circuit tour will be arranged by prior booking by participants)

End of Program.

Important note: (Inner circuit tour will start early in the morning at 6 AM and end around 10 AM. There will be a one-hour discourse from high priests of Maya Devi Temple and other known scholars—followed by lunch at 12 noon. Those participating in inner circuit will return to Kathmandu and others proceed to India after lunch.)

-Lumbini Research Center for Understanding and Peace, dedicated to promoting peace and harmony through Buddha’s message, takes it that Lumbini (Nepal) offers three distinct services to humanity: Every inch of sacred garden takes them nearer to their beloved Buddha; meditation and prayers under experienced hands helps to lessen pains and sufferings; and creates a congregation of peace lovers who are in search of peace themselves.